Case Stalled for Four Years as 36 Witnesses Go Missing

Four years after the killing of teacher Utpal Kumar Sarkar, the murder case remains stalled at the witness testimony stage, with all 36 prosecution witnesses yet to testify.

Utpal Kumar Sarkar served as the convener of the disciplinary committee at Hazi Yunus Ali School and College in Ashulia. He was responsible for maintaining discipline and ensuring the safety of teachers and students. He was fatally attacked while carrying out those duties.

The prime accused, Ashraful Islam Jitu, was a 10th-grade student at the institution. According to the case documents, he had previously faced allegations of misconduct, including harassing female students. After receiving complaints, Utpal had warned him about his behavior, which investigators believe fueled the student's resentment.

On June 25, 2022, while a girls’ cricket match was underway on the school campus, Jitu allegedly behaved inappropriately toward the players. Utpal immediately intervened and warned him. Prosecutors say Jitu became enraged and struck the teacher multiple times with a cricket stump, leaving him critically injured.

Utpal was first taken to Gonoshasthaya Hospital before being transferred to the intensive care unit at Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar. He died from his injuries on June 27, 2022.

The following day, Utpal’s brother, Asim Kumar Sarkar, filed a murder case with Ashulia Police Station.

After nearly a year of investigation, Sub-Inspector Md. Emdadul Haque of Ashulia Police Station submitted the charge sheet on May 31, 2023, accusing Jitu and his father Ujjwal.

On Jan. 26, 2025, the court formally framed charges and ordered the trial to begin. The complainant, Asim Kumar Sarkar, gave partial testimony on April 24. However, more than a year has since passed, and none of the remaining 36 witnesses listed in the charge sheet have testified.

The case is currently being heard by the Fourth Additional District and Sessions Judge’s Court in Dhaka.

The latest hearing for witness testimony was scheduled for May 10. As no further testimony was recorded, the court set Sept. 10 as the next hearing date.

Both Jitu and his father are currently out on bail granted by the High Court.

Dhaka District and Sessions Court Public Prosecutor Iqbal Hossain said the case remains at the witness examination stage.

“Non-bailable warrants have been issued against the witnesses, but they still cannot be located. We want to produce the witnesses before the court and complete the trial as quickly as possible,” he told Agamir Somoy.

Defense lawyer Md. Zakirul Islam said both defendants are complying with the court’s orders.

“They are out on bail and have been appearing before the court regularly. Once the witnesses appear, we will cross-examine them,” he said.

Agamir Somoy made several attempts to contact the complainant, Asim Kumar Sarkar for comment but received no response.