Attack over “Joy Bangla” graffiti, mother dies while trying to save son

In Ukhiya upazila’s Rajapalong union in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, a fatal incident occurred in the Taipalong area following escalating tensions linked to the writing of the slogan “Joy Bangla” on a wall and a subsequent police case filed by a local political leader. The situation, which had remained tense for several days, ultimately resulted in a violent confrontation on Saturday evening at around 8:00 pm.

The deceased has been identified as Saida Khatun (55), wife of Shabbir Ahmed from the same locality. Her son, S M Imran alias Abdur Rahman (32), was also injured in the incident.

According to Imran, the dispute began approximately a week earlier when the slogan “Joy Bangla” was written beneath student graffiti on the wall of a local madrasa in Taipalong. Following the incident, Abdul Karim, president of Ward No. 7 of the BNP, filed a written complaint at the police station, naming Imran as the 13th accused. He claims that since then, police operations were conducted regularly at the homes of the accused, with repeated raids at his residence over three consecutive days starting Wednesday.

Imran stated that on Saturday evening he left his home for Taipalong Station. While speaking with his acquaintance, student activist Mohammad Yunus, they were allegedly confronted by a group of 7–8 individuals identified as local BNP and Chhatra Dal activists. He alleged that they were attacked without warning.

Upon witnessing the incident, his mother Saida Khatun, along with his wife and younger sister, attempted to intervene. During the confrontation, they too were allegedly assaulted. Saida Khatun sustained serious injuries and collapsed at the scene. She was subsequently taken to Ukhiya Upazila Health Complex, where the attending physician declared her dead.

Imran further stated that he has no involvement with any political organisation, including the Awami League or Chhatra League, and claimed that he is being falsely implicated through politically motivated allegations. He also alleged ongoing harassment of individuals in the area through fabricated cases and accusations.

He named several individuals, including local BNP figures and Chhatra Dal activists, whom he accused of involvement in the attack.

The police have confirmed that the body was recovered from the hospital in a deceased condition and sent to Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination. Authorities stated that the circumstances surrounding the death are under investigation.

Case Summary