Death After Drinking, Later Named a ‘July Martyr’: Questions Over List of 844

Controversy has emerged after a young man’s name was included in the government-declared list of “July martyrs.” Allegations suggest that Al Hamim Saymon, who reportedly died after drinking at a bar in Kakrail, was added to the list without proper verification.

According to family members and local sources, Saymon fell ill while drinking at a bar in Kakrail and died on the way to the hospital. Doctors declared him dead and ordered an autopsy. However, that same day his father, Kamruzzaman, submitted a written statement to the police saying the death was natural and that he would not file any complaint. The body was later taken from the morgue without an autopsy and buried.

Later, a different account emerged. Kamruzzaman claimed that his son had gone to a protest in Rampura and was beaten to death by activists of the Awami League. Based on this claim, he applied to the government.

It is alleged that the government’s “July Uprising Cell” included Saymon’s name in the list of 844 people without thorough investigation. His name appears at serial number 107. The family received financial assistance of 3 million taka, which was placed in a fixed deposit (FDR). They were also promised housing support in the future.

Many local residents say the circumstances of Saymon’s death were widely known in the area. However, once his name was published in the official gazette and financial assistance was provided, the matter effectively became final.

About a year later, Kamruzzaman filed a murder case at Rampura Police Station accusing between 100 and 150 unidentified individuals. Sources say more than a hundred people have been arrested in the case over the past eight months. This has raised concerns that innocent people may have been implicated.

The incident has also raised broader questions about the credibility of the entire “July martyrs” list. Critics say it is necessary to review whether each of the 844 deaths was properly verified.

Officials concerned have said action will be taken if formal complaints are received. The investigating officer in the case said the probe is ongoing and witness statements mention death after alcohol consumption, though this has not yet been officially confirmed. No request has been made to exhume the body.

Many observers believe that not only this case but the entire list should be independently reviewed. They also argue that if anyone has been arrested in false cases, the issue of compensation should be considered.