Hartal observed for trial of cops

Sajedur Rahman Sajid

No major untoward incident took place during the hartal barring damage of a bus and a truck on Gaibandha-Sadullapur road and a motorcycle at rail-crossing point by pickets.

All markets, business establishments, banks remained closed.

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The Nagorik Committee brought out a procession in the town demanding capital punishment to the policemen who "killed" Sajid in custody during remand. It held two rallies at the Shaheed Minar and in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office to press the demand.

Pickets detained a Bogra-bound train for an hour at Gaibandha station. Movement of other trains was normal.

No vehicle left the town during the hartal hour.

At the Shaheed Miner rally, the Nagorik Committee announced a three-day agitation programme to press the demand for arrest of accused police officials. It includes observance of 'black day' on May 31, laying a siege to Police Superintendent's office and protest meetings.

Speakers at the rally claimed that arrest of Sajid, sales representative of a pharmaceutical company, along with a firearm is shrouded with mystery. He was killed at the behest of some vested quarters, they alleged and demanded fair trial of the incident.

Police to cover up the murder exposed it as suicidal incident and arranged to burry body under police cordon, even father of victim was bared to see his son, the speakers told.

They also condemned the alleged police inaction when a, earlier rally of Nagorik Committee came under attack allegedly by ruling party men.

Sajid, 26, of Kathpatti area of the town was arrested on May 18 along with a revolver. He died in police custody on May 21 while on remand.

Police said he committed suicide but the autopsy report said he was strangled.