Bangladesh
Delwar Hossain Sayeedi passed away at the age of 83 from heart disease
Delwar Hossain Sayeedi, the former Jamaat E Islami leader, popular religious preacher, and “convicted war criminal” by a controversial trial has died today.
Dhaka, August 14, 2023 – Delwar Hossain Sayeedi passed away at 8:40 pm today, as reported by medical professionals at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).
The Vice-Chancellor of BSMMU, Md Sharfuddin Ahmed, stated that an official announcement of his demise will be forthcoming.
Sayeedi, a prominent leader of the Jamaat-e-Islami, had been undergoing medical treatment at the BSMMU due to a severe cardiac arrest. His health took a turn for the worse after complaining of chest pain around 2:00 pm on Sunday while incarcerated at the Kashimpur Central Jail. He was subsequently transferred to the Shahabuddin Medical College in Dhaka under the care of jail doctors and later referred to BSMMU for further treatment.
The late Sayeedi, who once held the position of Member of Parliament for Pirojpur-1, Barisal, from 1996 to 2006, faced legal troubles when he was arrested in 2010 on charges of inciting religious unrest. In a subsequent turn of events on August 2 of the same year, he was apprehended on allegations of committing crimes against humanity.
In a landmark ruling in February 2013, the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh found Sayeedi guilty of eight out of twenty alleged charges relating to atrocities committed during the Liberation War. His offenses included aiding the Pakistani Army with classified information, as well as engaging in acts of rape, arson, and looting.
The verdict prompted a significant response, with the Jamaat party calling for a strike that spiraled into violence, leading to the tragic loss of over 50 lives. Subsequent legal proceedings saw his sentence initially reduced to life imprisonment by the Supreme Court in September 2014. However, on February 17, 2018, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty for his crimes against humanity during the Liberation War.
Delwar Hossain Sayeedi’s passing marks the end of a chapter in a tumultuous legal saga that spanned over a decade, leaving behind a legacy of controversy and division.
Crime and Justice
Husband surrenders to police after strangling wife over suspected extramarital affair in Jashore
Atiar Rahman, a resident of Shantala area in Jashore Sadar Upazila, has surrendered to the police after strangling his wife, Shahanaz Khatun, over suspicions of an extramarital affair.
Why it matters: This brutal murder, driven by domestic strife and suspicion, is an extreme manifestation of social instability that has caused widespread panic among the local community.
The big picture: Atiar Rahman, a mason by profession, had long accused his wife, Shahanaz Khatun, of having an extramarital affair. Despite their divorce four months ago due to these suspicions, the couple had reconciled last week through the mediation of their child, but the reunion lasted only a few days.
Between the lines: According to the victim’s relatives and locals, the accused, Atiar, was addicted to drugs and the couple had been experiencing long-standing marital discord. Late Thursday night, during another argument, Atiar beat his wife and strangled her to death using a gamcha (towel).
Details of the incident: Following the murder around 5:30 AM on Friday, Atiar went to the Kotwali Police Station and surrendered to the authorities. According to the police, the accused is currently in custody, and based on his statement, the police recovered the body and sent it to the Jashore General Hospital morgue for an autopsy.
What’s next: Police stated that the process of taking legal action in this case is underway. It is expected that the judicial process, including the filing of a charge sheet, will begin promptly following the autopsy report and the conclusion of the police investigation.
The bottom line: A broken family, brought back together by the efforts of their child, ultimately ended in a tragic murder due to the poison of suspicion. This incident serves as a stark example of the devastating consequences that drug addiction and domestic intolerance can lead to.
Crime and Justice
Two dead, at least 15 injured as school excursion bus falls into ditch in Chattogram
Two people have died and at least 15 students and guardians were injured after a school excursion bus lost control and fell into a ditch in Satkania, Chattogram.
Why it matters: Such a tragic accident during a joyful excursion has once again brought public safety and the risks of highway travel to the forefront.
The big picture: On Saturday morning, the Tisha Paribahan bus, traveling from Cumilla to Cox’s Bazar, lost control and overturned into a roadside ditch upon reaching the Satkania area of the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar highway. Doctors confirmed the deaths of Sakhawat Hossain Israfil (56) and Sohana Afroz (45) at the scene.
Between the lines: The bus was carrying students, teachers, and guardians from Bakshimul Islamia Sunnia Senior Madrasa in the Burichang upazila of Cumilla. According to initial assessments by the highway police, the accident occurred after the bus veered out of its designated lane and lost control.
By the numbers: At least 15 passengers were injured in the accident, with those in critical condition sent to Chattogram Medical College Hospital and other health centers for advanced treatment. The Dohazari Highway Police, Satkania Fire Service, and local residents worked together in the rescue operation.
What’s next: Police have seized the bus, and traffic on the highway has returned to normal. The Dohazari Highway Police Station authorities stated that the process of handing over the bodies to the families is underway, and legal action regarding the incident is being processed.
The bottom line: The joy of the school excursion turned into grief in an instant due to this accident; the major challenge now is to uncover the root cause through investigation and ensure stricter surveillance on highways to prevent such disasters in the future.
Bangladesh
18kg giant pangas fish sold for 19,000 taka in Patuakhali
A massive 18kg pangas fish caught in the Tetulia River of Patuakhali has been sold in the local market for 19,000 taka.
Why it matters: Due to the taste and quality of natural pangas from the Tetulia River, there is sky-high demand in the market, which has become a major source of income for local fishermen.
The big picture: The fish was caught in the net of a fisherman named Dulal from Bauphal on Friday, after which a local wholesaler named Rashed purchased it. Being a natural river fish, its price and value are much higher compared to common farmed pangas.
Between the lines: Wholesaler Rashed has sent the fish to a market in Dhaka. It is estimated that if it sells for 1,500 to 1,800 taka per kilogram there, the total price of the fish could reach up to 30,000 to 32,000 taka.
What’s next: Locals have stated that large river fish are usually not sold in the area but are instead sent directly to Dhaka markets in hopes of higher profits. As a result, local residents only get the opportunity to see the large fish but are deprived of the taste of eating them.
The bottom line: Fisherman Dulal is satisfied with receiving a good price, but local general buyers say that a large portion of the delicious river fish goes to big cities, which reduces availability in the local market.
By the numbers: The fish weighs 18kg and its initial sale price in the local market was 19,000 taka, which could rise to approximately 32,000 taka upon reaching the Dhaka market.
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