In a controversial development, Alfi Shahriar Mahim, a 16-year-old student from Rangpur, has been arrested in connection with the death of Abu Syed during recent protests in Bangladesh. Abu Syed was reportedly killed by police on July 16th amid ongoing student demonstrations against the government’s job quota system.
Alfi, a grade 11 student at Police Lines School and College in Rangpur, was hospitalized from July 15-17 due to illness, according to his sister Sanjana Akter Sneha. This timeline overlaps with the date of Abu Syed’s death, raising questions about the validity of the charges against the minor.
Sanjana reports that Alfi joined a protest march on July 18th after learning his exams were postponed. He was separated from friends during police action involving tear gas. The family was initially told by authorities that Alfi was in custody and would be released, but he was later sent to prison on murder charges related to Abu Syed’s death.
The case has sparked outrage due to Alfi’s age and the circumstances surrounding his arrest. Despite being a minor, there were initial difficulties in transferring his case to the juvenile court system. A hearing is now scheduled for August 4th.
This arrest has raised serious concerns about the treatment of minors in the justice system and the targeting of students involved in the protests. Human rights advocates are calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of both Abu Syed’s death and Alfi’s arrest, emphasizing the need for due process and protection of minors’ rights.
