Engineer’s Death Sparks Dispute and Defamation Allegations

The Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) has filed a general diary with Shahbagh Police Station, alleging that false information is being spread about the death of engineer Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan, a top leader of the Association of Engineers Bangladesh (AEB) and former convener of the Chhatra Dal unit at Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology (DUET).

At a press conference held on Tuesday, May 13, at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters Unity in Segunbagicha, IEB authorities addressed the claims surrounding the engineer’s death.

IEB General Secretary Engineer Professor Dr. Sabbir Mostafa Khan stated that, “On the morning of Monday, May 12, Engineer Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan passed away while under treatment at the ICU of Square Hospital. According to the official death certificate, the causes of death include massive hemorrhage, pneumonia, kidney injury, hypertension, and diabetes. There was no mention of external injuries.” He added that IEB President Engineer Md. Riazul Islam Rizu and the organization expressed their deepest condolences.

However, IEB officials alleged that a group identified as “Kaiyum-Hablu-Mahfuz-Fazlu gang” is engaged in a malicious and false campaign regarding the engineer’s unexpected death. “On the invitation of our President, an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of IEB was held on Saturday, May 10, at the IEB auditorium in Dhaka. During this event, 100 to 150 outsiders, allegedly led by the said group, launched a premeditated attack on the participating engineers,” Dr. Sabbir said. He claimed the attackers used bricks, boiling water, kettles, and chili powder, injuring 10 to 12 individuals including police personnel, some of them critically.

Dr. Sabbir further stated, “Despite Engineer Shafiqul Islam Khan’s death from natural causes as confirmed by his wife and hospital records, this group is falsely blaming IEB and attempting to tarnish the institution’s image. The engineering community has resolved to socially reject these individuals and will take all legal measures necessary to stop this defamation.”

In response to questions, IEB President Engineer Md. Riazul Islam Rizu said, “A group is using false information to hold IEB responsible for Engineer Shafiqul Islam Khan’s death and spreading propaganda on social media. His wife has confirmed that he died from complications related to pre-existing health conditions.”

Present at the press conference were IEB council member Engineer Ashraf Uddin Bakul, Vice President Engineer Sheikh Al-Amin, Engineer Khan Manzur Morshed, Engineer Niaz Uddin Bhuiyan, Engineer ATM Tanvirul Hasan Tamal, IEB Dhaka Centre Chairman Engineer Dr. Helal Uddin Talukdar, Secretary Engineer AKM Asaduzzaman Chunnu, Assistant General Secretary Engineer Ahsanul Rasel, Engineer Sabbir Ahmed Osmani, Engineer Nur Amin Lalon, and Engineer Abdullah Al Mamun.

Conversely, another statement issued by the opposing faction claims that Engineer Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan died after sustaining serious injuries in an unprovoked attack by “Rizu-Hasin’s hired goons” during a grand rally held under the banners of the Association of Engineers Bangladesh and Ex-JCD Bangladesh on May 10 at the IEB premises. They assert that Khan was participating in a movement to free IEB from “illegal occupation” and was initially admitted to the ICU of Ibn Sina Hospital before being transferred to Square Hospital due to deterioration in his condition.

The opposing side demands the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible, naming Rizu, Hasin, Sabbir Mostafa, Sheikh Al-Amin, and Chunnu as key conspirators behind the attack.