Cheating over job, strike with corpse to get money back

Relatives took dead body and staged strike at borrower’s house to get the money back that was given for job. The incident took place at Panchagarh Sadar Upazila on Thursday (August 11). After an overnight strike, the matter was settled by local arbitrary with assurance of giving the money back. Later, the body was buried on Friday (August 12) morning.

According to locals, Dabirul Islam Pradhan, 56, gave Tk12 lakh to Zulfikar Ali Pradhan, the former president of Darul Falah Dakhil Madrasa, two years ago for his son’s job.

Even after long assurance, it was informed two months ago, the job will not be available. After that, the argument started when they asked for the money back. A few months ago, Zulfikar assaulted Dabirul and threw him out of the house when he asked for money.

After that, Dabirul fell ill and suffered mild stroke. After recovery, he had a stroke again on August 7. This time,  he was admitted to Rangpur Prime Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment where he died on Thursday (August 11) afternoon.

Relatives of the deceased claimed that Dabirul died of stroke due to the money. They said that they took the dead body and staged strike at Zulfikar Ali’s house to get the money back. After waiting all the night, the body was buried with the assurance of local Union Parishad (UP) member.

Dabirul’s brother Badirul Islam said, “Zulfikar took Tk12 lakh on promise of giving a job to his nephew. The money collected by selling land and cattle. But Zulfikar cheat in name of job. My brother was assaulted as he asked for the money back.”

He also said, “After the first stroke, Zulfikar and his family members pushed him away when he asked for only Tk 5,000 for treatment. He suffered stroke again as he could not bear the insult and this time he died.”

Dabirul’s son Sabur said, “When my father died, we started strike at Zulfikar’s house the dead body. Later, after a meeting on the matter at the residence of local UP member Helal Uddin, the body was buried.”

He furhter said, “Zulfikar gave one lakh taka in cash and a cheque of five lakh taka during the meeting. He sought two months to return the remaining money.”

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Panchagarh Sadar Police Station Abdul Latif Miah said, “The matter was resolved by local arbitrators.