Barisal, Bangladesh — May 2025:
In a disturbing incident that has drawn widespread condemnation, Mostafizur Rahman Shakil, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) in Mehendiganj Upazila of Barisal, was reportedly abducted by individuals affiliated with the Barisal Metropolitan unit of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
According to initial reports, Shakil was subjected to inhumane physical and psychological torture while in captivity. His abductors allegedly demanded a ransom of BDT 20 million (approximately USD 170,000) from his family in exchange for his release.
The case gained national attention after graphic details of the abduction and mistreatment surfaced on social media. Public outrage followed, prompting authorities to locate and rescue Shakil. However, in a shocking twist, it was Shakil himself who was subsequently arrested by police, raising serious questions about the handling of the case and the influence of political power structures.
The ruling Awami League has strongly condemned the incident, characterizing it as yet another example of BNP-JCD’s continued involvement in “politics of violence, abduction, and extortion.” Party leaders have vowed to confront such acts not with retaliation, but through principled leadership and rule of law.
This incident adds to a growing list of politically motivated violence in Bangladesh, highlighting the urgent need for all parties to commit to democratic norms, political accountability, and nonviolent engagement.
“Terrorism will not be answered with blood, but with leadership,” said one Awami League spokesperson in response to the incident.
