Rayhan’s mother withdraws hunger strike upon mayor’s assurance

Salma Begum, mother of Raihan Ahmed who died in police custody, has called off the hunger strike following assurance from Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) Mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury to stand by her family in the movement for justice.

The mayor assured Raihan's mother that he and people of Sylhet will stand by her and her family until the culprits are arrested and brought under trial.  

Raihan's mother Salma Begum along with other family members started the hunger strike at around 11am Sunday in front of the Bandar Bazar police outpost.

The victims' family members said they will continue the hunger strike unto death demanding punishment to all involved police personnel, including the prime accused suspended sub-inspector Akbar Hossain Bhuiyan.

Residents of the area also joined the protest expressing solidarity with Raihan's family.

Raihan Ahmed, who was allegedly beaten to death in police custody at the Bandar Bazar police outpost on 11 October, had 111 injury marks and two of his nails were pulled off, according to the autopsy report.

Raihan died in police custody following the brutal torture, his family alleged. However, police denied the allegation saying he was caught by locals while mugging and was lynched.

Police said they had found Raihan wounded by the mob lynching and took him to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

On 12 October, Raihan's wife filed a case under the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention) Act 2013 with Sylhet Kotwali police station.

Later, an investigation committee was formed, and it found primary evidence of torture.

Following the recommendation of the committee, Bandar Bazar outpost in-charge sub-inspector Akbar Hossain Bhuiyan, and three constables – Harunur Rashid, Towhid Miah, and Titu Chandra Das – were suspended. 

Akber has been absconding following his suspension.