The nation marks the 13th anniversary of the tragic murder of Tanvir Muhammad Thakie, a promising student from Narayanganj, on 6 March. To commemorate his life and demand justice, a three-day series of events has been announced. This was disclosed in a press release signed by Halim Azad, Secretary of the Anti-Terrorism Thakie Platform, on Tuesday afternoon.
The schedule of the memorial programme is as follows: on 6 March, at 9:30 am, a wreath-laying ceremony and Milad Mahfil will be held at Thakie’s grave in Bandar Siraj Shah, Narayanganj. The second event, organised by the Narayanganj Cultural Alliance, will be an illumination ceremony at the Narayanganj Central Shaheed Minar on 8 March at 7 pm. The concluding event, titled the “Thakie Assembly”, is scheduled for 14 March at 2 pm in front of the National Parliament Building, Dhaka, and will feature speeches, music, drama, and artwork protesting the continued impunity surrounding his murder.
Timeline of the Thakie Case:
| Date | Event | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 March 2013 | Disappearance | Shayesta Khan Road, Narayanganj | Tanvir left home and did not return |
| 8 March 2013 | Body recovered | Kumudini Canal, Shitalakkhya River | Police found Thakie’s body |
| 5 March 2014 | RAB press conference | Narayanganj | Revealed 11 individuals, under the instruction of the Osman family, killed Thakie; case to be filed, but no charges yet |
| Every 8th of the month | Vigil and protests | Narayanganj | Cultural Alliance organises candlelight vigils and other programmes demanding justice |
On 6 March 2013, Thakie vanished after leaving his home on Shayesta Khan Road, and two days later, his body was discovered in the Kumudini Canal of the Shitalakkhya River. Investigative agency RAB (Rapid Action Battalion) announced on 5 March 2014 that Thakie was killed in a torture cell by 11 individuals acting under the instruction of the Osman family. Although it was stated that charges would be submitted to court, the formal complaint has yet to be filed.
Since then, the Narayanganj Cultural Alliance has consistently organised monthly vigils and protests on the 8th of each month, demanding the prosecution of the identified suspects and calling attention to the lack of progress in the case.
Halim Azad emphasised that the three-day memorial aims not only to honour Thakie’s memory but also to raise awareness about the enduring impunity surrounding his death. The programme is expected to draw participation from students, cultural organisations, and civil society, reinforcing public demand for justice and a stronger legal response to such crimes.
In addition to remembrance, the initiative seeks to strengthen community engagement and ensure that Thakie’s tragic death continues to inspire civic action against violence and injustice.