Young man beaten to death in public in Noakhali on suspicion of robbery

Noakhali, Bangladesh: A shocking act of vigilante violence took place in Noakhali’s Kabirhat Upazila on Saturday night, when a local man was publicly beaten to death by a group of assailants. The incident occurred at around 10:00 pm in front of the Kazi family residence near Kalirhat Bazar, Ward 2 of Narottampur Union. Eyewitnesses claim the attackers labelled the victim as a “dacoit” before fleeing the scene, leaving the body on the street. Reports also suggest that sweets were distributed in the market following the killing, allegedly to celebrate the act.

The deceased has been identified as Mizanur Rahman, also known as Roni, aged 35, son of Md. Shahid of Jainpur, Kabirhat Municipality. Mizanur was a father of two. Police sources indicate that he had a criminal record, including cases of robbery, theft, possession of arms, and assault on government employees, amounting to at least six pending cases.

According to police and local accounts, tensions escalated earlier in the evening around 8:00 pm, during a preparatory meeting for the upcoming 13th Parliamentary Election. The gathering, organised by the local BNP leadership of Ward 2 at Kalirhat Bazar, witnessed a confrontation when Mizanur claimed to be a loyal party worker. Verbal disputes reportedly turned heated, prompting Mizanur to flee the venue.

Two hours later, the fatal attack occurred. A group of men intercepted Mizanur near the northern side of Kalirhat Bazar and assaulted him with sticks and iron pipes. He succumbed to his injuries on the spot. The assailants then left the body on the road before escaping.

Police recovered a blood-stained stick and an iron pipe from the scene. Additionally, a toy pistol and a small pocket knife were found in Mizanur’s possession.

Harunur Rashid Harun, former president of Ward 2 BNP, said:
“We were at the office discussing election matters when Mizanur arrived and began arguing. Later, I heard he had been killed. I have no knowledge of any sweets being distributed.”

Kabirhat Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Md. Nizam Uddin Bhuiyan, confirmed that no formal complaint has yet been lodged by the family. He stated that any complaint will be investigated and legal measures taken. The body was sent to Noakhali General Hospital morgue on Sunday morning for autopsy.

District Additional Superintendent of Police (Finance & Administration) Abu Tayyab Md. Arif Hossain added that Mizanur had recently been released on bail and had resumed criminal activities, prompting local retaliation. Police are currently working to identify and apprehend those involved in the attack.

Key Incident Details