A human chain and protest rally were held in Mahipur, Patuakhali, demanding justice for agricultural scientist Md. Shahidul Islam, whose body was recovered after he went missing. The event took place on Sunday morning at the Khapravanga Bridge under the banner of local residents, with participation from his family, political and social leaders, students, and community members. Speakers called for a fair and impartial investigation and exemplary punishment for those responsible.

Participants described the incident as mysterious and alarming, emphasizing that Shahidul’s death could not be considered natural. They urged authorities to identify the perpetrators swiftly to restore public confidence in justice. Shahidul’s father, Motiur Rahman, has filed a murder case with Shibchar Highway Police Station against unidentified persons.

According to police, an investigation is underway to uncover the motive and identify the culprits. Shahidul, a research and development coordinator at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), went missing on January 21 while traveling from Dhaka to Barishal. His body was found on January 23 beside a highway in Shibchar, Madaripur.