Minhaz's family says politics, not ‘turf war’, behind killing of BNP student activist

The family alleges key suspects secured bail quickly, witnesses face threats and crucial evidence was destroyed

More than a year after BNP student activist Minhazur Rahman alias Minhaz was fatally stabbed outside Dania College in Dhaka’s Jatrabari, investigators have concluded the killing stemmed from a rivalry over local dominance.

His family rejects that finding, insisting politics lay behind the murder.

Minhaz, a diploma holder in textile engineering and an activist of Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal, was killed on Jan 28 last year. His friend Abu Bakkar Siddique, also known as Ahad, was seriously injured in the attack.

The following day, Minhaz’s elder brother filed a murder case naming nine people, including Arhan Sarkar Mahfuz, alias King Mahfuz, and 10 to 12 unidentified suspects.

Detectives later submitted chargesheets against 13 adults and one juvenile. Five remain absconding, while the others are on bail. The next hearing is set for Aug 12.

Inspector Abdul Majid, who led the investigation, told bdnews24.com the victim and the accused had once belonged to the same circle before splitting into rival groups.

“...they used to move around together... the murder was largely the result of a rivalry over local dominance,” he said.

The chargesheet says tensions escalated after disputes over influence around Dania College, culminating in a planned assault with rods, machetes, knives and other weapons after an argument over bamboo collected for a neighbourhood event.

Minhaz’s widow, Mahima Islam Mishti, rejected the conclusion.

"Mahfuz used to collect extortion money from the food court in front of Donia College... After Minhaz told him to stop, Mahfuz turned vindictive."

She alleged the attackers destroyed CCTV footage after the murder, influential suspects secured bail within six months and witnesses were being threatened.

“The murder was political. It was not about dominance,” she said.

Minhaz’s sister Rubaiya Sultana Farin echoed that claim.

“My brother had no dispute with Mahfuz. The dispute was between Tanvir and Mahfuz. My brother lost his life in the middle. But we still don't know why he was killed.”