BHANGURA, MAY 23 (V7N) - Police have arrested two individuals in connection with the attempted murder of local Jamaat-e-Islami leader and school teacher Zillur Rahman in Bhangura Upazila of Pabna. The suspects, identified as Aynal Hossain and his son Hafizur Rahman from Dashmarich village, are reportedly involved in local Awami League politics.
The case was filed at around 11:00 PM on Thursday, May 21, by the victim's brother, Hachen Ali, naming 10 specific individuals and naming another 50 unidentified suspects.
According to Hafez Abul Kalam, the Amir of Khanmarich Union Jamaat, the incident stemmed from a verbal dispute earlier on Thursday morning. A local individual, Abdur Rahman, allegedly mocked Zillur Rahman by tauntingly asking, "Where are you selling tickets to heaven?" This provoked an argument, during which one of Zillur's companions reportedly slapped Rahman.
Seeking retaliation, Abdur Rahman and his associates allegedly ambushed Zillur Rahman at around 8:00 PM that evening when they found him walking alone on the street. The attackers repeatedly stabbed him with sharp weapons before fleeing the scene.
Locals rescued the 50-year-old teacher, who previously served as the secretary of Khanmarich Union Jamaat. He was initially rushed to the Bhangura Upazila Health Complex, but as his condition deteriorated rapidly, the attending doctors transferred him to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.
Following the assault, Maulana Ali Asgar, the newly elected Jamaat-nominated Member of Parliament for the Pabna-3 constituency, led a protest with party activists outside the Bhangura Police Station. MP Ali Asgar accused the local administration of initial inaction and demanded the immediate arrest of everyone involved in the brutal attack.
Bhangura Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Sakiul Azam and Investigating Officer SI Al Amin confirmed that a case has been officially registered under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Law enforcement has launched a targeted drive across the district to apprehend the remaining suspects who are currently at large.
END/SRP/RH/
