A police officer serving with the Special Branch was allegedly beaten to death following a dispute over the parking of a private car in Savar’s Aminbazar area. The deceased, Altaf Hossain, 58, was an inspector-level officer serving as a sub-inspector with the Dhaka Malibagh Zone of the Special Branch. His younger son, Ariful Islam, 26, was also seriously injured in the incident.
The incident took place at around 8pm on Saturday, 5 September, in the Madina Housing area of Bardeshi in Aminbazar, Savar.
According to police, Altaf and his son became involved in an argument with a group of between 10 and 15 people over the parking of their private car in front of a vest-manufacturing factory. What began as a verbal dispute reportedly escalated, with the group allegedly attacking the two men.
Altaf and Ariful were subsequently taken to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital in Dhaka at around 9.30pm. Doctors examined Altaf after his arrival and declared him dead. Ariful, who sustained serious injuries in the assault, was admitted for treatment.
Savar Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Saiful Alam confirmed that a member of the Special Branch had been beaten to death in Aminbazar. Police personnel were sent to the scene after receiving information about the incident.
Dhaka District Police Superintendent Shamima Parveen said the assault occurred near the officer’s home following what was initially described as a minor dispute over vehicle parking. She said police were working to identify and arrest those involved in the attack.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are still being investigated. Although the parking dispute has emerged as the immediate trigger, police have not yet established whether there was any other underlying reason for the assault.
Assistant Sub-Inspector Masud Rana of the Special Branch’s Savar Zone said Altaf was serving as a sub-inspector with the Special Branch, although he was not posted in the Savar Zone. He had a property in Aminbazar, which was why he was present in the area.
The police are now examining the events leading up to the assault and the roles of those who were present at the scene. Investigators are also expected to establish how the dispute escalated and determine the precise circumstances that led to Altaf’s death.
The incident has drawn attention because the victim was a serving police officer, although there is currently no indication that he was attacked because of his official duties. Police have said efforts are under way to apprehend those responsible, while the investigation continues to establish the full sequence of events.
