Syed Atik, Gazipur: Residents of Pagar area in Tongi on Friday held a protest rally and demonstration after Jumu`ah prayers, demanding justice for Green University student Manjurul Islam Hasib, who died after being critically injured in a violent attack earlier this week.

The demonstrators called for the maximum punishment, including the death penalty, for the prime accused, Jubaer Hossain, whom they described as a notorious criminal. Speakers at the protest condemned the killing and urged the authorities to ensure a swift and fair trial.

Hasib, 25, a final-year student of the Computer Science Department at Green University of Bangladesh, succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment in the early hours of Thursday.

According to police and local sources, the incident took place around 8:30 pm on Tuesday in front of the residence of Advocate Ali Akbar in the Pagar area under Tongi East Police Station. An altercation reportedly broke out between two groups over a previous dispute, which escalated into violence.

During the clash, the accused allegedly attacked Hasib and his friends indiscriminately with a machete, leaving Hasib, Akash, 25, and Imran (also reported as Anik in some local accounts), 24, seriously injured.

Local residents rushed the victims to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. As Hasib`s condition deteriorated, he was transferred to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases before being shifted, at his family`s request, to Green Life Hospital in Dhanmondi. Despite intensive medical treatment, doctors declared him dead at around 1:30 am on Thursday.

Following the attack, Tongi East Police launched an operation and arrested the prime suspect, Jubaer Hossain, 45. Police said legal proceedings are underway.

Friday`s protest drew a large number of local residents who demanded exemplary punishment for the accused and called on the authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice without delay. They also expressed concern over recurring incidents of violence in the area and urged stronger measures to improve public safety.