Cigarette dispute ends in murder

A 17-year-old factory worker was allegedly stabbed to death following an argument over smoking in South Keraniganj, Dhaka, on Friday.

The incident occurred in the Bashpatti Beribadh area of West Aganagar.

The victim, Hasan, was the son of Joynal Mia of Rukundi village in Barisal’s Mehendiganj upazila. He had moved to Dhaka for work and was employed as a helper at a washing factory.

According to the victim’s family, local residents and eyewitnesses, Hasan was smoking in the area when six to seven young men, including Sagor and Rifat, approached him and questioned him about it.

An argument followed, during which the group allegedly attacked Hasan with a sharp weapon before fleeing the scene.

Local residents rescued Hasan and took him to Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

The victim’s family later filed a murder case with South Keraniganj Police Station, naming Sagor, Rifat and another person. Three unidentified individuals were also accused in the case.

Abul Kalam Azad, inspector of the police station, said law enforcers were conducting drives to identify and arrest those involved.

He expressed hope that the suspects would be brought to justice soon.