Relatives block exhumation of BNP leader Forkan’s body in Bogura

In Shajahanpur, Bogura, Forkan Ali, Jubo Dal leader of BNP, died of a heart attack while attending a BNP rally. However, after a change in the government, allegations were made that he had been "shot dead." Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was named as the accused in the murder case. About a month later, the court ordered an exhumation of Forkan’s body for autopsy. However, the exhumation could not be carried out due to objections from Forkan’s relatives and locals.

Forkan (42) was the convener of the Khottapara Union Jubo Dal in Shajahanpur. After his death on December 3 last year, his relatives buried his body without an autopsy, following their request.

On Thursday (November 28), around 11:45 AM, Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate of the district administration, Mohammad Sadman Akif, along with law enforcement personnel, went to Sufipara in Khottapara Union to exhume the body. However, they were obstructed and had to turn back.

At the time, Forkan's brother, Omar Faruk, said, "My brother died due to a heart attack. But some people from BNP and the plaintiff filed a false case to harass us. We had no knowledge of this case."

He further stated, "After my brother's death, I brought his body home from the hospital. There were no signs of bullets or injuries on his body. Later, we buried him without an autopsy."

Executive Magistrate Mohammad Sadman Akif told Views Bangladesh, "I went to exhume the body as per the court's order. However, the deceased’s family did not give their consent, so the exhumation could not be carried out. The family members have stated that they will not allow the body to be exhumed due to the false allegations in the case. They claim that Forkan died from a heart attack."

He added, "In the General Diary (GD) filed at Shajahanpur Police Station after Forkan’s death, the cause of death is mentioned as a heart attack. Forkan's father has requested the closure of the investigation into the case and plans to file an appeal in court. I will include all the information gathered during my visit in my report and submit it to the court."