Dhaka, June 9 -- A mason has been beaten and hacked to death in Jashore's Manirampur after protesting the alleged harassment of his niece, police say.

The attack occurred around 9:30pm on Monday outside Sharmapur Government Primary School, said Sub-Inspector (SI) Rezaul Islam of Jhikargacha Police Station.

The victim was identified as Imamul Hossain, 50.

Manirampur Police chief Md Abu Sayeed said while the incident occurred within his jurisdiction, both the victim and the suspects are residents of the neighbouring Jhikargacha area, just a few yards away.

Citing family members, SI Rezaul said several youths had allegedly been harassing Imamul's niece for an extended period.

An argument broke out between Imamul and the youths on Monday...