“The Citizen Initiative (CI) expresses deep sorrow and strong condemnation over the brutal killing of Shahriar Alam Shammo, a student of the Institute of Education and Research at Dhaka University and a resident of Sir AF Rahman Hall. Shammo was fatally stabbed near Suhrawardy Udyan on the night of May 14, 2025, in an incident that has sparked outrage across the academic and civic community.
CI is gravely alarmed by the increasing violence and lawlessness that threaten students, activists, and ordinary citizens alike. Most disturbingly, the father of Tahmidul Islam, a prominent student organizer in the July uprising, was recently attacked by individuals identified as recently banned Awami League-affiliated terrorists. Despite public exposure of this incident on social media, the government has taken no visible action, fuelling public concern over political impunity.
These incidents are not isolated. They reflect a broader collapse of public safety and a climate of fear for those who engage in peaceful dissent or civil activism. When students are murdered near campus and activists’ families are assaulted without consequence, the very foundation of justice is shaken. CI urgently calls upon the Government of Bangladesh to:
- Conduct a swift, impartial investigation into the murder of Shammo and ensure justice for his family and community.
- Immediately address the attack on the father of protester Tahmidul Islam and hold the perpetrators accountable.
- Restore public trust by reinforcing the rule of law, protecting all citizens from politically motivated violence, and upholding democratic norms.
- Guarantee the safety and freedom of students, activists, and ordinary citizens across the country.
Bangladesh must not be allowed to descend into a culture where power supersedes justice and where peaceful dissent is met with violence and intimidation. CI stands in unwavering solidarity with all victims of violence and calls on all concerned citizens and institutions to rise in defense of justice, transparency, and human dignity”.
Best regards
Taib Ahmed
General Secretary
Citizen Initiative
Instructor and PhD Candidate
Colorado State University
Dr. Hasan Mahmud
Chairman
Citizen Initiative
Assistant Professor
Northwestern University, Qatar
