Four individuals have been arrested so far in connection with the murder of Zahidul Islam Parvez, a third-year student of the Textile Department at Primeasia University.
However, law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to locate two girls who are considered central figures in the incident and potential instigators of the crime.
Investigators believe that finding these individuals could provide critical clues to unravel the mystery behind the murder.
On April 19, after completing his midterm exams at around 3:00pm, Parvez and his friends –Tariqul, Sukarno, Imtiaz, and others – were seen talking and laughing near a snack shop in front of the Rancon Building, opposite the university. At the same time, two students from the University of Scholars, along with their associates from Primeasia University – Mehraj Islam, Abu Zahar Giffari Pias, and Mahathir Hasan – were also present nearby.
At one point, these students took offense at Parvez’s laughter, believing they were being mocked. This led to an argument.
The matter was later brought to the attention of Primeasia University Proctor Mosharraf Hossain, who facilitated a reconciliation between the two parties in the presence of two faculty members: Sushma Swati from the Textile Department and Abul Hashem from the Psychology Department.
Despite the resolution, Parvez was attacked and killed shortly afterward. His classmates alleged that the attackers targeted him to assert dominance and showcase their power among their peers.
Search for the two girls
Three days after the murder, police remain unable to locate the two female students from the University of Scholars who were allegedly at the centre of the altercation. Authorities believe that finding them could clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and reveal whether there were prior conflicts or motives.
According to sources, the two students belong to the Business Administration and English departments of the University of Scholars. They were temporarily expelled on the second day following the murder. Members of the university’s proctorial committee attempted to contact them during the investigation but were unsuccessful. As a result, their student status has been suspended temporarily pending further developments in the case.
Arrests and investigation progress
Police have arrested four individuals in connection with the murder. One of them is a named suspect in the case, while the other three were identified through CCTV footage captured during the attack. All four are currently on remand as investigations continue.
CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts have confirmed the involvement of the three unnamed suspects, who are acquaintances of the named accused. Efforts are underway to trace the whereabouts of other absconding suspects through these detainees.
Role of juvenile gangs and outsiders
The attack involved a mix of students, non-students, and members of juvenile gangs allegedly linked to drug-related crimes in the Banani, Mohakhali, and Karail slum areas. While 15–20 people participated in the assault, investigators have identified 11 individuals so far. These include:
- Mehraj Islam: A BBA student at Primeasia University and a member of the Nasim gang in Mohakhali.
- Abu Zahar Giffari Pias: An LLB student at Primeasia University, known to frequent the Korail slum area. CCTV footage shows him attacking Parvez with a sharp weapon.
- Mahathir Hasan: An English department student at Primeasia University, allegedly involved in Chhatra League politics in Kapasia, Gazipur.
The trio reportedly contacted members of the Benxon juvenile gang after the initial reconciliation. In response, gang members Al Kamal Sheikh (alias Kamal), Alvi Hossain Junaid, Al-Amin Sunny, Rifat, Ali, and Fahim joined the attack. All reside in the Karail slums or surrounding areas.
Additionally, Sobhan Niaz Tushar, joint convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’s Banani branch, and Hridoy Miyaji, its joint member secretary, were identified in CCTV footage during the attack. Hridoy Miyaji was arrested by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-1) on April 22.
The attack
As Parvez and his friend Tariqul approached the university’s main gate, they were ambushed by Mehraj Islam, Abu Zahar Giffari Pias, Mahathir Hasan, and others. Armed with knives and sticks, the attackers severely injured both victims. Tariqul sustained wounds to his head and left elbow, while Parvez was fatally stabbed in the left side of his chest. Both were rushed to Kurmitola General Hospital, where doctors pronounced Parvez dead upon arrival.
Family’s anguish
Humayun Kabir, Parvez’s cousin and the plaintiff in the case, expressed the family’s devastation over the loss. Parvez was the eldest of two siblings and the only son in the family. His mother is reportedly inconsolable following his death. Their uncle, who resides in Kuwait, returned home after learning of the tragedy.
Ongoing operations
Banani Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Russell Sarwar confirmed that law enforcement agencies, including the police, are conducting raids across the country to apprehend the remaining suspects. Meanwhile, investigators stress the importance of locating the two University of Scholars students, whose testimonies could shed light on the sequence of events leading to the murder.