Tragic Roadside Death Sparks Violent Unrest in Jamalpur

A father and son lost their lives on Friday afternoon when a heavy goods vehicle ploughed into their stationary motorcycle at a police checkpoint in Jamalpur. The incident, which took place in the Old Ferry Ghat area, has ignited a firestorm of local resentment, leading to a prolonged highway blockade and clashes between civilians and law enforcement.

Details of the Collision

The victims have been identified as Delwar Mahmud (50), an employee of a private firm, and his eldest son, Ishtiaq Ahmed (20), a first-year undergraduate at Ranada Prasad Shaha University. The youngest son, five-year-old Mohammad Abrar, survived the impact but remains in a critical condition at Jamalpur General Hospital.

The tragedy unfolded at approximately 1:30 pm on the southern flank of the Brahmaputra Bridge. Mr Mahmud was travelling from Jamalpur town to his ancestral village in Sherpur for the weekend. According to eyewitnesses, police officers at the checkpoint signalled the motorcycle to pull over. As the family complied and came to a halt, a speeding truck approaching from the opposite direction struck them with immense force.

Allegations of Misconduct and Negligence

The aftermath of the crash saw an immediate escalation in tensions. Relatives and bystanders have alleged that the checkpoint was being used as a front for “extortion,” claiming that officers frequently demand bribes from motorists at this specific bottleneck.

Abdur Razzak, a relative of the deceased, provided a harrowing account of the moments following the collision:

“The police ordered them to stop, and they obeyed. When the truck struck them, they were still breathing. Instead of rendering first aid or transporting them to the hospital, the officers fled the scene to avoid the crowd’s wrath. Their corruption and cowardice caused these deaths.”

Civil Unrest and Traffic Paralysis

Incensed by the perceived negligence, a mob attacked the remaining security personnel, reportedly assaulting several officers and vandalising a police pick-up van. For three and a half hours, the Jamalpur-Sherpur Highway was rendered impassable as protesters blocked the road with debris, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded.

The Additional Superintendent of Police (Sardar Circle), Yahya Al Mamun, stated that the situation was eventually brought under control after reinforcements were deployed, though he declined to comment on the specific allegations of extortion or the conduct of the officers involved.