Bogura turns into a city of loss as killings rise alarmingly

Bogura is increasingly being gripped by a disturbing surge in violent killings, leaving families shattered and raising serious concerns over law and order.

In the latest incident, trader Alal Sheikh was abducted in broad daylight from Fateh Ali Bazar on March 28 while he was there to vote in a traders’ association election. He was taken to a secluded area in Malgram Dabtala, where he was tortured—beaten with hammers and had his tendons severed. After several days in critical condition, he died at a hospital early on April 3.

Alal, a resident of Chaksutrapur Koshai Para, was a candidate for the post of general secretary in the market’s traders’ cooperative election. Allegations suggest that Jubo Dal leader Shafiqul Islam and his associates were involved in the abduction and fatal assault.

Alal’s killing is part of a broader pattern of violence in the district. As of April 6 this year, at least 23 people have been killed in Bogura.

One of the most shocking incidents occurred on September 9, 2024, when an injured Jubo Dal activist, Sanowar Hossain Lyado, was dragged from a police vehicle and beaten to death inside the emergency department of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital, despite the presence of police.

Earlier that same night, Swechchhasebak Dal leader Mizanur Rahman was hacked to death in the Gokul area, allegedly in an attack led by a local Jubo Dal figure. Lyado was reportedly targeted as part of the same chain of retaliatory violence.

Police data shows that over the past three years, Bogura recorded 226 murder cases—77 in 2023, 91 in 2024, and 58 in 2025. Including this year’s deaths, the total number of killings rises to 249.

Superintendent of Police Mirza Sayem Mahmud said law enforcement agencies are actively conducting operations and making arrests, with several suspects already giving confessional statements.

He emphasized the need for greater social awareness to prevent such crimes.

Legal experts warn the situation is approaching a crisis. Advocate Dilruba Noori of Bogura Judge Court told Views Bangladesh that the rising carnage are taking on “epidemic proportions,” blaming impunity, delays in justice, and deteriorating law and order.

She noted that a lack of trust in the justice system is leading people to take matters into their own hands, while political influence and easy bail for accused individuals contribute to repeated offenses.

Experts stress that without strict law enforcement free from corruption and political pressure, along with judicial reforms and stronger social values, the cycle of violence in Bogura is likely to persist.