Jhalokathi, Dec 15 (V7N) – Family members and local residents of Sangar village in Rajapur upazila, Jhalokathi, staged a human chain and road protest on Sunday demanding justice in the murder of Rehena Begum and the arrest of her accused husband, Arif Khalifa.
The protest was organized in front of Rajapur Police Station on Sunday morning by the victim’s relatives and local people. Speakers at the human chain included Rehena’s father Shahid Hawladar, her sister-in-law Rahima Begum, and local residents Monir Hossain and Zakir Hossain, among others.
The speakers alleged that Rehena Begum was tortured and killed due to ongoing family disputes. They demanded the immediate arrest of her husband Arif Khalifa and other accused persons, a fair and transparent investigation, and exemplary punishment for those responsible. Protesters also called for ensuring the safety of the victim’s family.
During the demonstration, tensions rose in the area, causing temporary disruption to vehicular movement on nearby roads.
Rajapur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nazrul Islam said the post-mortem examination of the body had been completed and the body was handed over to the family. He added that since the incident occurred in Dhaka, the family had been advised to file the case there. He said all necessary legal steps are being taken in accordance with the law.
According to family members, Rehena Begum was brutally beaten and tortured to death at a rented house in Keraniganj, Dhaka, on the afternoon of Thursday, December 11. Multiple injury marks were found on different parts of her body. When the body was brought to her ancestral home in Uttar Sangar village early on Friday, December 12, relatives noticed the visible signs of assault.
The family alleged that when they questioned the cause of death, Rehena’s husband Arif Khalifa and accompanying relatives fled the scene. Since the incident, Arif Khalifa, son of Mannan Khalifa of Rajapur upazila, has reportedly been absconding along with the couple’s minor daughter.
The victim’s family said Rehena Begum married Arif Khalifa around five to six years ago, after which the couple lived in Dhaka. Arif was employed at a private security company. The family continues to demand swift justice and accountability for Rehena Begum’s killing.
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