Kushtia: Leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in Kushtia have alleged that the inclusion of Jamaat leaders and activists in the murder case of 'Pir' Abdur Rahman Shamim, also known as Jahangir, in Daulatpur is part of a 'well-planned conspiracy'. They are demanding an impartial, transparent, and credible investigation to uncover the true circumstances of the incident. The claims were made at a press conference held in Kushtia city on Wednesday afternoon.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Daulatpur Upazila Jamaat Ameer Maulana Belal Hossain, in a written statement, asserted that Muhammad Khaja Ahmed, a party-nominated union parishad chairman candidate and former district president, has been named as the main accused in the murder incident in Philipnagar. He claimed this was an attempt to implicate other party leaders unjustly. Hossain dismissed the allegations as 'completely false, baseless, and part of a well-planned conspiracy.'
Jamaat leaders emphasized that the party and its members were not involved in the killing of Pir Shamim or any related attack, vandalism, or arson at his shrine. They maintained a peaceful stance since the incident, advocating for dialogue and legal proceedings. The leaders also highlighted the alleged presence of local BNP leaders at the crime scene and called for a fair investigation to reveal the truth behind the incident.
The press conference underscored the importance of resolving political or ideological differences non-violently. Jamaat leaders stated their opposition to extrajudicial activities and accused a vested-interest group of politically targeting individuals who support 'anti-extortion and anti-occupation politics' in the area. They urged authorities to ensure a fair investigation, identify the real culprits, and stop harassing innocent individuals.
Jamaat leaders called on the media to report responsibly and avoid spreading rumors or one-sided information. They urged locals to remain calm and avoid being provoked by misinformation, emphasizing the party's intention to pursue the matter legally.
The press conference was attended by Jamaat leaders and activists, including Kushtia city Jamaat Ameer Enamul Haque, Daulatpur Upazila Ameer Maulana Belal Hossain, Secretary Abdullah Al Noman, and former Shibir president Mostafizur Rahman Palash.
Earlier, a case was filed against four named individuals, including a local Jamaat leader, and 180-200 unnamed people over the murder of self-proclaimed 'Pir' Abdur Rahman, who was killed in a mob attack at his shrine in Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia. The victim's brother, Fazlur Rahman, filed the case at Daulatpur Police Station. Shamim Reza, 65, was beaten and hacked to death at his shrine known as 'Shamim Baba's Darbar Sharif' in Philipnagar union. Locals reported that an old video from 2023 resurfaced, leading to allegations of blasphemy and triggering the attack. Three of his followers were also injured in the incident.