A tragic incident in Rajshahi’s Mohanpur upazila has sparked widespread anger, suspicion and demands for justice after a young agricultural worker lost his life under the wheels of an excavator machine. The family of the deceased has firmly rejected claims of an accident, alleging instead that the young man was deliberately killed after opposing illegal pond excavation on farmland.
The victim, identified as 25-year-old Jubayer Hossain, died on Wednesday night at around 9pm in Boropalsha village under Dhurail Union. Jubayer, the son of Rafiz from the same village, earned his living through agricultural work and was known locally as a hardworking and vocal supporter of protecting cultivable land.
According to local residents and family members, the incident occurred when an excavator was being used to dig a pond on what they claim was agricultural land. As news of the digging spread, villagers gathered to protest, fearing permanent damage to fertile farmland. Jubayer reportedly joined the protest and attempted to stop the machine from operating.
Eyewitnesses say tensions quickly escalated, leading to a heated argument between villagers and individuals from the nearby Bhimnagar area who were involved in the excavation work. Amid the chaos, Jubayer fell beneath the excavator and suffered critical injuries. He was rushed to Mohanpur Upazila Health Complex by locals, but doctors declared him dead on arrival.
While authorities initially described the incident as an accident caused by contact with the excavator’s digging equipment, Jubayer’s family has strongly disputed this version. They allege that he was intentionally thrown beneath the machine’s wheels as punishment for resisting the excavation. The family has demanded a thorough investigation and exemplary punishment for those responsible.
Following the tragedy, emotions ran high in the village. Enraged locals set fire to the excavator, completely destroying the machine. The act reflected the growing anger and mistrust among residents, many of whom believe that powerful interests are routinely damaging agricultural land without consequence.
Police confirmed that the excavator driver, Abdul Hamid, aged 28, has been detained in connection with the incident. He is a resident of Kadimhamjani Uttarpara in Tangail district. Authorities say he is being questioned as part of the investigation.
Mohanpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fahima Binte Akhtar visited both the scene of the incident and the victim’s family home shortly after the tragedy. Speaking to locals, she acknowledged the dispute surrounding the pond excavation and confirmed that villagers had opposed the project from the outset.
According to the UNO, an argument broke out during the confrontation, and Jubayer was injured after colliding with the excavator’s digging apparatus. She added that legal action would be taken against anyone found responsible and confirmed that police were investigating the burning of the excavator as well.
Meanwhile, Mohanpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge SM Moinuddin stated that efforts were underway to send the body for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. He assured the family that legal procedures would be followed and that the body would be handed over after completion of formalities.
As investigations continue, Jubayer’s death has once again highlighted the growing conflict between rural communities and land developers, raising serious questions about land protection, accountability and the safety of those who dare to speak out.