Shocking Death at Rehabilitation Centre

A young man has tragically died following a violent incident at a rehabilitation centre in Malibagh, under Ramna Police Station in Dhaka. The centre, known as ‘Alokito Insan’, has been under scrutiny after the death of 28-year-old Rashedul Islam Tanvir, who sustained severe injuries during an altercation with another patient.

Tanvir was admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) on Friday night, 12 December, around 9:45 pm, in critical condition. Doctors declared him dead shortly after his arrival.

On Saturday, 13 December, Tanvir’s family filed a murder case at Ramna Police Station. According to the complaint, Tanvir was originally from Tilochnopur village, Baliakandi, Rajbari, and lived in West Nakhalpara, Tejgaon, Dhaka. He was the middle child in a family of two brothers and a sister.

Family sources revealed that Tanvir had previously struggled with drug addiction. Around four months ago, he was admitted to Alokito Insan Islamic Rehabilitation and Counselling Centre, located on the 9th floor of Shahjalal Complex in Malibagh. The centre’s owner, Md. Fakhrul Islam Azad (55), promised a religious environment, expert treatment, regular exercise, and nutritious food. Tanvir’s family paid a monthly fee of 30,000 BDT for his care.

According to the police case, on Thursday, 11 December, around 2:30 pm, Tanvir argued with 16-year-old fellow patient Md. Towhidul Islam over an open window in the west ward of the centre. The dispute escalated into a physical fight. During the confrontation, ward supervisor Golam Mostofa (54) allegedly pushed Tanvir, causing him to fall and suffer a severe head injury. The family also claimed that Tanvir was kicked in his groin during the assault.

Despite the severity of his injuries, Tanvir was reportedly not taken to any doctor. Instead, he was allegedly transferred to another ward where he endured further physical and mental abuse. His family was kept uninformed about his condition.

It was only on Friday afternoon, around 5:50 pm, that the centre informed Tanvir’s uncle Abdul Chattar Mia that Tanvir was critically ill. Family members rushed to the scene but could not find him. After persistent inquiries, the centre brought Tanvir’s body to the front of the facility in an ambulance. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at DMCH around 9:45 pm.

The police have filed a murder case against Md. Fakhrul Islam Azad, Golam Mostofa, Md. Towhidul Islam, and several others. Ramna Police Chief Rahat Khan confirmed that three suspects, including the centre owner and Towhidul Islam, have been arrested. Further arrests are underway.

Tanvir’s brother, Monirul Islam, expressed outrage: “My brother was supposed to leave the rehabilitation centre in just four months. He has been beaten to death. We demand justice.”