A 28-year-old man has died after a brutal altercation at a drug rehabilitation centre in Dhaka’s Malibagh area, sparking outrage from his family and the wider community. The victim, Rashedul Islam Tanvir, was seriously injured during a fight with another patient at the Alokito Insan rehab centre, resulting in his death.
Tanvir was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital on the night of 12 December but was declared dead shortly after arrival. His family filed a murder complaint at Ramna Police Station the following day, citing negligence and deliberate abuse by the centre staff.
Originally from Tilochnopur village, Baliakandi, Rajbari, Tanvir lived in Tejgaon, Dhaka, and had struggled with drug addiction. Four months prior, he had been admitted to Alokito Insan following assurances from the centre owner Md. Fakhrul Islam Azad, promising religious guidance, medical care, exercise, and healthy food. The admission fee was 30,000 BDT per month.
The fatal incident reportedly occurred on 11 December at around 2:30 pm, when Tanvir clashed with 16-year-old Towhidul Islam over a window in the west ward. Allegedly, ward supervisor Golam Mostofa pushed Tanvir forcefully, causing him to fall and sustain life-threatening injuries, including a head trauma and a groin injury.
Family members claimed that the centre did not seek immediate medical care for Tanvir. Instead, he was moved to another ward and allegedly subjected to further abuse. His relatives were not informed of his deteriorating condition.
Tanvir’s uncle, Abdul Chattar Mia, was only notified late on 12 December, by which time Tanvir’s condition had worsened. Family members found the body outside the centre and took him to DMCH, where he was confirmed dead.
Ramna Police have named Md. Fakhrul Islam Azad, Golam Mostofa, Towhidul Islam, and others as suspects. Three suspects have already been arrested, with investigations ongoing to apprehend the remaining accused.
Tanvir’s brother, Monirul Islam, urged for justice: “My brother was meant to complete his rehabilitation safely, but he was killed. We will not rest until justice is served.”