The family lawyer of Tofazzal Hossain, the mentally unstable youth who was lynched at Dhaka University’s Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall in September 2024, has accused the university administration of deliberately prolonging the trial process to shield some of the accused.
In a press conference held at the Supreme Court premises, Advocate Ziaur Rahman claimed that repeated “no-confidence” (naraji) petitions filed by Dhaka University authorities against investigation reports demonstrate an intent to delay justice in the murder case.
The incident occurred on the night of September 18, 2024, when Tofazzal Hossain, a 35-year-old resident of Kathaltali Union in Patharghata Upazila, Barguna District, was spotted wandering near the gate of Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall. Suspecting him of stealing mobile phones during a cricket match earlier that day, a group of students allegedly detained him, assaulted him with fists and kicks, and later beat him severely in the hall’s south building guest room using cricket stumps, hockey sticks, and other objects.
Despite initially feeding him in the hall canteen after realizing his mental condition, the assault continued, leading to his unconscious state. He was rescued and taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital around 10:52pm, where doctors declared him dead.
The following day, September 19, 2024, Mohammad Amanullah, supervisor of the university’s Estate Office, filed a murder case at Shahbagh Police Station as the complainant on behalf of the university.
Initial investigation by Shahbagh Police resulted in a charge sheet submitted on December 30, 2024, accusing 21 individuals, mostly Dhaka University students. The university administration filed a no-confidence petition against this report, prompting the court to order further investigation by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), a specialized unit.
After deeper probe, PBI Additional Superintendent of Police Md Hannanul Islam submitted a supplementary charge sheet on December 15 or 17, 2025 (reports vary slightly on the exact date), accusing 28 individuals. Of these, six—including Md Jalal Mia, Ahsan Ullah alias Bipul Sheikh, Al Hossain Sazzad, Md Mottakin Sakin Shah, Suman Mia, and others—had been arrested earlier, with seven reportedly giving confessional statements under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. These confessions detailed specific roles in the assault and beating that led to Tofazzal’s death.
A hearing on the acceptability of this PBI charge sheet was scheduled for Tuesday (March 10, 2026). However, the Dhaka University administration once again filed a no-confidence petition against the report. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Jewel Rana rejected the petition, accepted the charge sheet, took cognizance of the case, and issued arrest warrants against the 22 absconding accused. The court ordered their immediate arrest.
Advocate Ziaur Rahman criticized the pattern of objections, stating: “The repeated filing of no-confidence petitions against investigation reports — first against the police and now against the specialized PBI probe — clearly proves that the Dhaka University administration does not want swift justice in this murder case. They appear intent on protecting certain accused individuals.”
He emphasized the credibility of PBI as a specialized investigative body whose findings command public trust, yet the university’s actions undermine it. Rahman further alleged inaction by police in executing the arrest warrants for the 22 fugitives, suggesting possible collusion between the university administration and state machinery to shield them.
“Even after seven accused gave detailed confessional statements naming specific perpetrators and methods of the beating, the administration continues to employ tactics to obstruct the trial,” he added.
The case has drawn significant attention amid broader concerns over campus violence and mob attacks in Bangladesh. Tofazzal’s family and supporters demand expedited proceedings and accountability, particularly from those in positions of authority at the hall and university.
As the trial moves forward following the acceptance of the charge sheet, the effectiveness of law enforcement in apprehending the absconding accused will be closely watched.