Secretary General expresses deep concern over the brutal killing of laguna driver Nur Alam
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar issued a statement today, 22 February expressing deep concern and issuing strong condemnation and protest over the brutal incident of beating to death of laguna driver Nur Alam, also known as Khairul Islam, on the Jatrabari–Chittagong Road in the capital.
In the statement, he said that the long-standing allegations of extortion on one of the busiest roads of the capital are extremely alarming. There are complaints that money is regularly collected from public transport drivers in the name of various organizations have raised serious questions about the dignity and credibility of the state and administration. In continuation of this situation, on Friday, 20 February, at around 3:00 pm, laguna driver Nur Alam, also known as Khairul Islam, was brutally beaten to death on the Jatrabari–Chittagong road in the capital, reportedly over refusal to pay extortion money or disputes related to control of transport stands. Such a killing is completely unacceptable in the new Bangladesh shaped by public expectations following the fall of the oppressive former government. He expressed strong condemnation and protest against this brutal murder and conveyed deep concern.
He further stated that regardless of whether the killing was carried out due to extortion, or any other reason, those involved must be arrested immediately and brought to exemplary punishment. At the same time, allegations of extortion in the transport sector in Jatrabari–Chittagong Road and other parts of the capital must be investigated impartially, and the responsible individuals must be brought under the law.
He added that Khairul was the sole earning member of his family. The cries of his helpless dependents, including his young daughter and relatives, demonstrate that this incident is not merely the loss of a life but the tragic end of a family’s dreams and future prospects. Such incidents create deep anxiety regarding the country’s law-and-order situation and the safety of ordinary citizens.
Expressing deep condolences to the family of the deceased Khairul, Secretary General further said that the government must immediately provide appropriate financial assistance to the affected family and ensure their security. Finally, he strongly urged the government to take effective and permanent measures to end the culture of extortion, terrorism, and illegal occupation across the country, including in the transport sector.