BCSNA condemns attack on Dr Arman’s family in Cox’s Bazar

The Bangladeshi Communication Scholars in North America (BCSNA) strongly condemns the recent attack and vandalism of the family home of  Dr Zahed Arman in Bharuakhali, Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh. 

In a statement issued Wednesday (July 23), BCSNA said the attack followed the death of a local political leader affiliated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Dr Arman is currently serving as Assistant Professor at the Department of Communication, Media, & Performance, Framingham State University, US.

Photos from the incident show that the house was ransacked, furniture and personal belongings were destroyed, and there are credible allegations that valuables were looted. The attack has caused immense distress to Dr Arman’s family. We urge the relevant authorities to conduct a full investigation and take swift, punitive action against those responsible for this heinous act.

According to Dr Arman, a group is attempting to politicise the death, which in fact stemmed from a local dispute over the occupation of government-owned (khas) land. In what appears to be retaliation, a group of masked individuals attacked several homes in the neighbourhood, including Dr Arman’s family residence.

He reported that the attackers vandalised their home and stole gold jewellery, cash, passports, national ID cards, and household items. His parents’ lifelong work was reduced to rubble. His younger sister called 999 during the attack, but instead of receiving help, she was mocked by responders who sarcastically asked if the family had managed to catch any of the attackers.

The statement claimed that Dr. Arman’s 70-year-old father and younger brother were falsely implicated in the murder case. His father, who is undergoing treatment for a common bile duct issue in both the US and Bangladesh, was in no condition to be involved. His brother Arafat, a university lecturer in Chittagong, was not even present in Cox’s Bazar at the time.

Despite these facts, the family continues to face threats and intimidation. BCSNA's statement called on the authorities to ensure justice and safety for Dr Arman’s family and to prevent further misuse of power and politicisation of local conflicts.