Md. Kamal Uddin: Chattogram—the commercial capital of Bangladesh, a hub of industry, and a city rich in history and heritage. At its heart lies Chawkbazar—busy, vibrant, and constantly alive. Yet beneath this liveliness, a darkness had been quietly building, erupting suddenly in a heartbreaking incident. The abduction and brutal killing of HSC candidate Ashfaq Kabir Sajid (17) is not just a crime—it is a harsh reality that has shaken the conscience of the entire city. The sudden end of such a promising life raises a haunting question: Is our city still safe? An Ordinary Afternoon Turns Tragic April 12, afternoon. The day began like any other—calm and uneventful. Sajid, a bright student with a promising future, stepped out during a study break to meet his friend, Fardin Hasan. They met at a corner in the Moushumi residential area and sat at a small roadside tea stall, chatting—sharing laughter, stories, and dreams, reflecting a typical teenage life. But that normalcy shattered in an instant. A group of youths and teenagers suddenly appeared, armed with sharp weapons. They threatened Sajid and forcibly abducted him. Bystanders were stunned—before anyone could react, it was over. A Desperate Attempt to Survive Even after being abducted, Sajid did not give up. Seizing a moment, he tried to escape—running in desperation to save his life. He rushed into a multi-storey building, quickly shut the gate, and ran upstairs, trying to find safety. This was more than just an incident—it was a final, desperate struggle for life. But fate was cruel. According to allegations, the building’s security guard, Enamul Haque, opened the main gate, allowing the attackers to enter. They followed Sajid upstairs, eventually catching him. What happened next defies the norms of any civilized society. He was brutally beaten, mercilessly tortured, and ultimately thrown down through an empty elevator shaft. This was not just murder—it was the extreme manifestation of brutality. Life Ends at the Hospital Door Locals rushed to the scene upon seeing Sajid lying bloodied on the ground floor. Emergency services (999) were called, and police quickly rescued him and took him to Chattogram Medical College Hospital. But the fight for life had already ended. Doctors declared him dead before he could receive treatment. In that moment, a family’s dreams shattered—a mother’s heart broken, a father’s hopes crushed. Swift Police Action: Three Arrested Following the incident, law enforcement sprang into action. In the case filed with Chawkbazar Police Station, three suspects have already been arrested: Enayet Ullah (Accused No. 5) Miskatul Kayes (Accused No. 6) Enamul Haque (Accused No. 7) Officer-in-Charge (OC) Babul Azad stated: “We are investigating this incident with the highest priority. Our (operation) to arrest the remaining suspects is ongoing. No one is above the law.” A City Gripped by Grief and Fear Since the incident, Chawkbazar has changed. Where there was once noise, there is now silence. Where there was trust, there is now uncertainty. One question echoes across the city: “Are we safe?” A concerned parent said: “Today it was Sajid—tomorrow it could be my child. This fear now lives in all of us.” Teenage Gang Culture: A Deep Social Crisis This incident has also exposed a disturbing reality—the rise of teenage gang culture. In areas like Chawkbazar, small groups are forming and gradually becoming organized, engaging in criminal activities. Drug abuse, power struggles, family neglect, and lack of social oversight are creating a volatile situation. At an age when they should be holding books, many are instead picking up weapons. Fragility of Urban Security: A Wake-Up Call This clearly reveals serious flaws in urban security. A coordinated abduction and in broad daylight, in a crowded area, is anything but normal. It is a warning sign—one that cannot be ignored. The Way Forward: A Call for Collective Responsibility Experts suggest that addressing this crisis requires: Greater parental awareness and involvement Moral education and monitoring in educational institutions Active community engagement Positive alternative activities for youth Strict enforcement of the law Final Words: One Death, A Wake-Up Call Ashfaq Kabir Sajid will never return. But his death leaves behind a difficult question: Will we wake up now—or wait for another Sajid? Today, Chawkbazar is not just a place—it is a reflection, a warning, a call to conscience. If we fail to heed this call, history will not forgive us.