Residents in Kalapara, Patuakhali, formed a human chain on Monday at about 11:30am to protest the inclusion of Dholasar Union Ward 5 member Md Jasim Uddin Khandakar as an accused in the murder case of Harich Ahmed, also known as Mojibur. The programme was held on the road in front of Tarikata Dakhil Madrasa under the banner of people from all sections of Ward 5. Participants demanded withdrawal of the case against him.

Speakers at the gathering claimed that Jasim Uddin was at his home when the incident occurred. They said he went to the scene after receiving the news and arranged for the seriously injured Harich Ahmed to be rescued and sent to hospital. They alleged that the union council member was deliberately and conspiratorially implicated despite trying to save the injured man.

Speakers sought an impartial investigation to establish the facts and remove Jasim Uddin's name from the case. His wife Nasima Begum, son Sohel Khandakar, and local residents Jamal Shikdar and Shahidul Islam spoke. Harich Ahmed was attacked on July 19 amid a land dispute in Nayakata village and later died during treatment. His son Saiful Islam Babul filed the case naming 18 people and 20 unidentified accused; RAB has arrested two named accused.