The brutal daylight murder of Lal Chand, also known as Sohag, outside Mitford Hospital has sent shockwaves through the nation, not just for its sheer savagery, but for what it reveals about our crumbling social contract and the alarming nexus between crime and politics. The image of a man being beaten and hacked to death on a bustling Dhaka street — in full public view — is a searing indictment of our law enforcement, political leadership, and collective conscience.
Though initial reports suggest the murder stemmed from a business dispute over scrap metal, the deeper implications go beyond a private feud. Reports published in several newspapers on Sunday indicated that accused have been linked to a political party’s affiliated youth organisations which has ignited widespread protests, with students across universities demanding justice and accountability. It has also thrown a harsh spotlight on the recurring issue of political patronage shielding criminality.
The expulsion of five activists by BNP’s youth wings is a step in the right direction, but it is reactive and insufficient. Allegations that names were tampered with in the official charge sheet only compound public distrust. The demand for transparency, echoed by the victim’s family and echoed on university campuses, must not be ignored. This is not merely a law-and-order issue; it is a matter of national morality.
The government’s swift move to transfer the case to a Speedy Trial Tribunal and promises of a thorough investigation are welcome. Yet, Bangladeshis have seen similar pledges in the past, only to watch justice dragged, diluted, or denied. The assurance of a “shadow investigation” by the Rapid Action Battalion must result in action, not just rhetoric.
At the heart of this tragedy lies a dangerous culture of impunity — where political affiliation too often becomes a shield against accountability. If the BNP wishes to regain public trust, it must cleanse its ranks and cooperate fully with the legal process. Likewise, the ruling establishment must ensure that justice is delivered impartially, free from political motives or selective outrage.
Sohag’s death must not become just another forgotten headline. His brutal murder should serve as a wake-up call to all political parties, law enforcers, and citizens alike: no political ideology can justify such barbarity. In a democratic society, justice must not only be done but be seen to be done — swiftly, transparently, and without exception.
Mitford murder — when justice sleeps, society bleeds
