Dhaka: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today expressed hope that the trial in the murder of seventh-grader Ishayat Shahriar Opratim would be completed within a short time, similar to the Ramisa murder case. "The court will conduct the trial. We will extend all-out cooperation by completing the necessary legal procedures and submitting the charge sheet," he stated during a press briefing on contemporary issues at the Home Ministry at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister highlighted the nationwide shock over the murder in Cumilla. Police recovered Opratim's body within 24 hours and arrested four suspects within 12 hours. The suspects have confessed to their involvement in the killing. Salahuddin mentioned that the suspects are believed to be part of a juvenile crime group and had been acquainted with Opratim. They were reportedly five to 10 years older than Opratim, with ages being verified through national identity records.
The minister revealed that the mobile phone involved in the incident was recovered from the prime suspect, Tuhin. "All the evidence has been recovered, and they have confessed. Police are now taking further legal steps, including whether their statements can be recorded under Section 164," he added. He praised the police for swiftly arresting all suspects and recovering key evidence.
Opratim, 13, left home with his mother's iPhone around 3 pm on Friday to take photographs with friends but did not return. His body was later found in a forested area of the Lalmai hills near Cumilla University. The Home Minister emphasized the government's commitment to swift legal action following heinous crimes, including arresting those responsible and initiating necessary legal proceedings.
He stated that cases requiring more time would be assessed based on investigation progress. Addressing statistics on missing children by Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), the minister noted the government's serious approach to the issue and examination of available data. He identified social degradation as a major crime factor, often linked to cybercrimes, drugs, gambling, and pornography. The government is emphasizing cultural activities, sports, and moral education to restore social discipline.
He urged conscious citizens to fulfill their responsibilities from their respective positions. Criticizing recent crude bomb explosions and arson attacks, he mentioned arrests and ongoing interrogations. He assured that neither the government nor the people are intimidated by such activities, adding that the public has already rejected them.
Regarding the opposition's recent long marches, Salahuddin affirmed every political party's right to constructive criticism and democratic programs. He noted that recent long marches were conducted peacefully with law enforcement cooperation. The minister emphasized the government's focus on maintaining peace, ending impunity, and ensuring speedy justice.
Addressing the electricity and fuel crisis, he attributed it to rising global oil prices and past neglect of gas exploration. Despite temporary crises, the government is focusing on extracting domestic resources, with plans to drill 150 new gas wells by 2030-31. Twelve million cubic feet of gas per day has been added to the national grid from the Titas Gas Field. Salahuddin expressed optimism about Bangladesh's self-sufficiency in gas and a lasting solution to the power crisis.
Responding to a question about a recent incident in Tejgaon, the minister said 23 people were detained after allegedly holding a secret meeting. After forensic examination and interrogation, 11 were released due to lack of evidence. Information suggested attempts to form a new extremist group, "Ittihadul Ummah." Reiterating the government's zero-tolerance policy against extremism, the minister confirmed that cases were filed, and investigations are ongoing.