Australian Organisation AFERMB Calls for Independent, Transparent Investigation into Rangpur Family Murders

Melbourne, 26 August: The Australian Federation for Ethnic and Religious Minorities in Bangladesh (AFERMB) has called for an independent, transparent investigation meeting international standards into the killings of retired teacher Ganapati Chakraborty, his wife and their two children in Machhuapara, Rangpur.

In a statement, the Australian-based organisation expressed profound grief and concern over the deaths. It said the severity of the crime and the surrounding circumstances demanded a thorough investigation capable of uncovering the complete truth.

AFERMB acknowledged that an investigation was underway and that suspects had been arrested. However, given the gravity of the case and the circumstances surrounding the deaths, the organisation said the investigative process must remain transparent, impartial and evidence-based.

“Justice must not only be delivered; it must also be demonstrated that the outcome is credible, transparent and founded on independently verifiable evidence,” the organisation said.

AFERMB urged the Bangladesh government and relevant law-enforcement agencies to ensure that the investigation was independent, transparent and scientifically rigorous. It also called for the involvement of international experts if such assistance was required to establish the facts.

“Ensuring the safety of every citizen and equal protection under the law is one of the state’s fundamental responsibilities,” the statement said. “The state must properly fulfil that responsibility by uncovering the complete truth behind the killings of Ganapati Chakraborty and his family and ensuring justice.”

Police recovered the bodies of retired teacher Ganapati Chakraborty, his wife Pritilata Chakraborty, their daughter Agami Chakraborty and son Ayush Chakraborty from their home in Rangpur’s Machhuapara area on Saturday night, 22 August.

Two young men have been arrested in connection with the case. Police said they had given confessional statements before a court. The investigation has since been transferred to the Detective Branch.