Farmer dies after intervening in clash between Chhatra Dal, banned Awami League in Satkhira

A farmer injured while allegedly trying to prevent an attack by the banned Awami League and its affiliates on Chhatra Dal activists in Satkhira died today (21 August) while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, 13 days after the incident.

The deceased, Rokib Hossain Jhantu, 40, was the son of Abdul Rashid from Ghona union.

Recounting the incident, his father, Abdul Rashid, said Rokib had gone to Sreedanga intersection for tea after dinner. 

Upon hearing commotion behind their house, he went outside and found two people bringing his son home with a bleeding head injury. 

Rokib was subsequently rushed to the hospital.

When asked about his son's political affiliation, Rashid clarified that Rokib was not involved with any political party and worked as a daily farmer. He was attacked while attempting to break up a fight between two factions, he added.

Rashid said he does not wish to file a case regarding the matter.

Satkhira Sadar Police Station Officer in Charge Mahmudur Rahman confirmed the death, stating that several individuals have already been arrested in connection with the incident, while efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects are ongoing. 

"Since a case has already been registered regarding the attack, no new case will be filed, and the homicide investigation will be integrated into the existing case," he said.

Satkhira Chhatra Dal Vice President Monjurul Alam Bappi said, "When Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League activists were attacking me with iron rods, Rokib Hossain stepped in to stop them. He was struck on the head during the melee. My head was also fractured, requiring 28 stitches."

"I have filed a case at Satkhira Police Station naming 15 individuals, including local Awami League leader Shahinur Rahman Nantu and Khalid Hossain. Police have arrested three persons so far," he said. 

"Ten people, including Chhatra Dal activists, were injured in the attack. Currently, two of us are receiving treatment at Satkhira Medical College Hospital, while Rokib Hossain Jhantu passed away at Dhaka Medical. He was an innocent civilian," Bappi added.

Detailing the origin of the clash, the Chhatra Dal leader claimed that on 8 August, Ghona Union Chhatra League president candidate Najmul Hossain made derogatory remarks about the BNP and Chhatra Dal. 

Ghona Chhatra Dal President Jahid Hossain protested the comments, leading to him being assaulted and detained. 

Upon receiving the news, a group of 10–12 Chhatra Dal activists went to the scene, where around 20–30 activists of the Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League launched an ambush on them.

Efforts to contact local Awami League and Chhatra League leaders for comment were unsuccessful. 

Residents noted that those involved have gone into hiding following the incident.