Family Refuses Case in Pir Killing

In a deeply unusual development following the killing of religious figure Pir Abdur Rahman in Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia, his family has stated that they will not pursue any legal case over the incident. The decision comes even as no arrests have been made within 48 hours of the fatal attack, despite ongoing police presence and investigation efforts.

The confirmation was given on Monday morning by the victim’s elder brother, retired schoolteacher Fazlur Rahman. Speaking to reporters, he said the family had collectively decided not to initiate legal proceedings. “We discussed everything within the family last night and decided not to file any case. We will not engage in unnecessary complications,” he said, adding that at over 70 years of age he no longer has the physical or emotional capacity to pursue a lengthy legal process.

When asked whether any external pressure had influenced the decision, he firmly denied it, stating that there was no intimidation involved. He also noted that law enforcement officers were still stationed at the site of the incident.

Daulatpur Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Arifur Rahman said on Monday afternoon that the family had initially indicated they would file a case, but had not yet come forward. He confirmed that efforts to identify and apprehend those involved in the killing were ongoing.

According to local residents, tensions escalated after a short video clip, allegedly showing Pir Abdur Rahman—also known as Shamim—making derogatory remarks about the Holy Qur’an, resurfaced and spread rapidly on social media. The clip, reportedly recorded several years earlier, triggered widespread anger in the community.

On Saturday morning, more than a hundred people gathered near Abeder Ghat, approximately half a kilometre from the pir’s religious establishment. The gathering later turned violent when a section of the crowd stormed the premises in the afternoon, attacking the building despite the presence of police. The pir was killed during the assault.

A longer 18-minute video circulating online shows a large group marching along a paved village road while chanting slogans before entering the complex. The attackers are seen damaging two brick buildings and a tin-shed structure, later setting parts of the premises on fire. Fire service personnel eventually brought the blaze under control. At least five to seven individuals inside the complex were reportedly injured, while others managed to flee.

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