Former Chhatra League Leader Takim, Who Lost Tendons in Shibir Attack, Arrested

BDD News Desk

Police have arrested Akheruzzaman Takim, a former Chhatra League leader from Rajshahi University, from Hazaribagh in Dhaka. On Friday morning, a team from Hazaribagh Police Station conducted a raid at his residence and took him into custody, according to allegations made by his family members.

The family claims that Takim has been physically unwell for a long time. Several years ago, he was severely injured in an attack by Chhatra Shibir at Rajshahi University. His family stated that his hand and leg tendons were severed during the attack. Since then, he has not fully recovered and is still unable to walk properly.

The incident occurred on November 21, 2012. On that night, Shibir cadres launched a surprise attack, gravely injuring Takim. Before the attack, the assailants cut off the electricity supply on the campus. They then used sharp weapons to sever the tendons in his hands and legs. In addition to cutting his tendons, the attackers fractured his skull and inflicted wounds on various parts of his body. Believing him to be dead, the Shibir assailants left Takim in the dark.

At the critical juncture of life and death, Takim was admitted to the ICU at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University for nearly a month. During this time, he required 62 bags of blood. Tendons and muscles were taken from other parts of his body and grafted onto his leg. With special medical assistance under the supervision of the Prime Minister, Takim survived.

However, he has been permanently disabled and his leg tendons are still awaiting further surgical repair. A family member said, “I couldn’t sleep all night. Just as I was about to go to bed, I received a text from my brother. Within two minutes of responding, the police came, tortured him, and took him away.

Takim is ill—arresting him in such a condition is inhumane.” They further added, “After August 5, Takim, despite his frail health, joined the protests on the streets of Dhaka, raising slogans. Now, he has been taken away again. We are living in fear.” No comments were received from the police regarding this matter. However, a source from law enforcement agencies indicated that Takim was detained based on specific allegations against him. A family member stated that they are still unaware of where Takim is being held or what specific cases or allegations have been made against him.