Agitated residents of Astma village in Sunamganj’s Shantiganj upazila formed a human chain and held a protest march on Friday demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the murder of local resident Rustom Ali.
Gathering at the village center at 3:00 p.m., the protesters issued a strict 12-hour ultimatum to the local police administration. They warned of larger street protests if all the accused mastermind behind the killing are not apprehended immediately.
Speakers at the rally expressed severe outrage over the police's failure to arrest the suspects noting that the alleged perpetrators are still freely roaming and visibly active on social media.
Mao. Mojahid Ahmed the victim’s brother addressed the crowd highlighting the family's devastating loss. "My elder brother was the sole earner for our family, covering all household and educational expenses. Now we are completely helpless" he said. "While my brother lies in a dark grave his killers roam free. We demand swift justice and maximum punishment from the Prime Minister and the Home Minister."
Other local leaders including Sajjad Mia, Hafiz Koyesh Ahmed and Azimul Haque Bait Ullah reiterated that Rustom was an innocent man who actively avoided village disputes. Following the speeches the crowd marched through Astma village to press their demands for accountability and immediate law enforcement action.
