College teacher Ariful Islam, 35, who was allegedly attacked after speaking out against online gambling and casino operations in Lalmonirhat’s Aditmari, has died while undergoing treatment.
Ariful died at the intensive care unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Friday evening, after spending 20 days under medical care, according to local sources and Aditmari police. His death triggered anger in the area, with groups of residents reportedly vandalising and setting fire to the homes of the main accused and several other defendants in the case.
Ariful was a teacher at Lalmonirhat Government Technical School and College. Alongside his teaching responsibilities, he was involved with several social organisations and had taken part in awareness activities against drug abuse and online gambling in the locality.
According to people familiar with the incident, Ariful had repeatedly urged Rahidul Islam, described locally as a key figure in a gambling network, and his associates to stop their alleged gambling-related activities and other forms of antisocial behaviour. He had also warned that he would inform law-enforcement authorities if the activities continued.
The confrontation reportedly escalated on 1 August. Ariful was returning home from college that afternoon when he was allegedly attacked near his residence. Local sources said a group led by Rahidul attacked him with sharp weapons, causing serious injuries to his head and other parts of his body.
He was initially taken to a local hospital in a critical condition. As his injuries were considered serious, he was later transferred to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit.
Despite receiving treatment for 20 days, Ariful’s condition eventually deteriorated. He died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Friday evening.
News of his death quickly spread through the locality, prompting a strong reaction among residents. According to local sources and police, angry people subsequently attacked the homes of the main accused and other defendants named in the case. Several properties were reportedly vandalised, while some were set on fire.
The incidents have heightened tensions in Aditmari, with the alleged attack on Ariful and the subsequent violence raising concerns about public order. The case has also drawn attention to the wider social concerns surrounding online gambling and related criminal activities, particularly where local residents attempt to challenge such operations.
Police have been informed of the developments, while the circumstances surrounding the original attack and the subsequent violence remain subject to legal proceedings. The allegations against the accused will ultimately have to be established through due legal process.
