College teacher Ariful Islam, 35, who was allegedly attacked after protesting against online gambling and casino activities in Lalmonirhat’s Aditmari, has died while undergoing treatment.
Ariful died at the intensive care unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Friday evening, after spending 20 days in critical condition, according to local sources and Aditmari police.
His death has sparked anger in the area. Shortly after news of his death spread, agitated residents reportedly vandalised and set fire to the homes of the main accused in the case and several other accused individuals.
Ariful was a teacher at Lalmonirhat Government Technical School and College. Alongside his teaching career, he was involved with several social organisations and had been active in awareness campaigns against drug abuse and online gambling in the area.
According to local residents, Ariful had objected to gambling-related activities allegedly operated by a group led by Rahidul Islam, whom locals identified as a key figure in the gambling network. Ariful had reportedly urged Rahidul and his associates to stop gambling and other activities that he believed were contributing to social problems in the community.
He also warned that he would inform law-enforcement agencies if the activities continued, according to the sources.
The confrontation reportedly escalated on 1 August. Ariful was returning home from college that afternoon when he was allegedly attacked near his residence. Local sources said a group of people, allegedly led by Rahidul, attacked him with sharp weapons, leaving him with serious injuries to his head and other parts of his body.
He was initially taken to a local hospital in a critical condition. As his condition deteriorated, he was subsequently transferred to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. He remained under treatment for 20 days before his condition ultimately became fatal.
Ariful’s death has intensified tensions in the locality, with residents expressing anger over the alleged attack. The subsequent vandalism and arson at the homes of the accused have added to concerns about further unrest.
Police and local residents said the incident is connected to the case filed over the attack on Ariful. The investigation and legal proceedings are expected to determine the precise circumstances of the assault and the responsibility of those accused.
The case has also drawn attention to the wider concerns surrounding online gambling and its alleged links to social disorder in local communities. Ariful had been publicly raising awareness against such activities before the attack, according to people familiar with his social work.
Authorities now face the task of maintaining order in the area while ensuring that those responsible for the alleged attack are dealt with through due legal process. Residents have called for a proper investigation and justice for the deceased teacher.
