A tragic incident in Kaliganj, Gazipur, has left a 35-year-old man dead after being crushed by a drum truck, amid allegations that local political figures are attempting to settle the matter with a bribe of BDT 500,000. The victim’s family claims that members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have been pressuring them to accept the payment, raising concerns of coercion and injustice.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 14 March, in the Loskorchala area of Madhpara Union. The deceased, Masum Rana, was the son of Nur Uddin and had been working in the local soil extraction trade.
Local sources and family members explained that for an extended period, soil from agricultural lands across Madhpara Union was being excavated and sold to nearby factories. This activity reportedly caused damage to surrounding farmland and roads. Despite repeated complaints from residents, the extraction continued unabated.
Details of the Accident
Masum Rana was overseeing local soil operations, supervising trucks transporting soil. While standing near a soil-cutting site in Haturiachala, a drum truck accidentally ran over him, resulting in his instant death. Local residents promptly rushed him to Gazipur Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital, where doctors confirmed his death.
Alleged Settlement and Pressure
Following the incident, Obaidul Sikder, the general secretary of BNP’s Ward 3 in Madhpara Union, along with soil trader Nasir Uddin, reportedly visited the victim’s home. They allegedly offered BDT 500,000 to settle the matter privately. Sikder reportedly stated that their “primary concern was the money” and insisted on receiving payment from Nasir Uddin, adding that local arrangements had already been made and legal action would prevent them from collecting anything.
Masum Rana’s elder sister, Sonia Begum, expressed her outrage, saying, “My brother was murdered. We demand a proper investigation and justice. This was a deliberate act, not an accident.” The family alleges that the offer of compensation came with undue pressure immediately following the tragedy.
Kaliganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Khondkar Nasir Uddin, confirmed that no formal complaint had been filed yet, but police had visited the scene upon receiving reports and would take legal action if an official complaint is submitted.
Summary of the Incident
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim Name | Masum Rana (35) |
| Father’s Name | Nur Uddin |
| Location | Loskorchala, Madhpara Union, Kaliganj, Gazipur |
| Date & Time | 14 March, night |
| Cause | Crushed by drum truck |
| Hospital | Gazipur Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College |
| Allegations | Attempted BDT 500,000 settlement, family pressure |
| Involved Leaders | Obaidul Sikder (BNP), Nasir Uddin (soil trader) |
The tragic death of Masum Rana has intensified local tensions, highlighting concerns over safety in soil extraction operations and the influence of political pressure in such incidents.