In Kustia’s Daulatpur upazila, mounting public concern has emerged after no arrests have been made even two days following the murder of Abdul Rahman, also known locally as Shamim, who was widely identified as a religious figure or “pir”. Residents allege that individuals accused in the case are moving freely in public, raising serious questions over the progress of the investigation.
The killing took place on Saturday, while the victim’s elder brother, retired teacher Fazlur Rahman, later filed a murder case with Daulatpur Police Station on Monday night. The complaint names four individuals directly, alongside between 180 and 200 unnamed suspects, suggesting the involvement of a large group.
Accused reportedly seen in public
Local sources claim that the second named accused, Asaduzzaman Asad—president of the Daulatpur upazila unit of a political organisation—was seen openly moving around his locality on Thursday morning. CCTV footage allegedly shows him travelling on a black motorcycle along the Hosenabad Bazar–Philipnagar road around 11am.
Several residents, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the accused had not gone into hiding despite the serious nature of the allegations.
Separately, the principal accused, Mohammad Khaja Ahmed, a former president of the district student wing of a political organisation, has reportedly been active on social media. According to local accounts, he has been posting comments related to the incident and recently shared a banner linked to a political protest rally online.
Police acknowledge delay in arrests
Additional Superintendent of Police (Bheramara Circle) Delwar Hossain confirmed that no arrests have yet been made, but said progress is being made in the investigation.
“We have not been able to arrest anyone so far,” he said. “However, we have identified around 25 individuals through video footage and other evidence. Their profiles are being prepared and the investigation is ongoing.”
Responding to allegations that suspects were moving freely in public, he added: “We are aware of such reports. Arrests will be made at any time. Operations are underway.”
Case overview
| Category |
Details |
| Victim |
Abdul Rahman (alias Shamim), locally known as Pir |
| Location |
Daulatpur, Kustia |
| Date of killing |
Saturday (recent) |
| FIR filed |
Monday night |
| Complainant |
Fazlur Rahman (brother, retired teacher) |
| Named accused |
4 individuals |
| Additional accused |
180–200 unnamed persons |
| Arrest status |
None so far |
| Identified suspects |
Around 25 (under investigation) |
Public protests demanding justice
Meanwhile, tension has grown in the area as supporters and local residents staged a human chain and protest rally on Tuesday afternoon, demanding swift arrests and exemplary punishment for those responsible. Protesters alleged that the killing was premeditated and criticised what they described as slow investigative progress.
Demonstrators urged law enforcement agencies to immediately detain the accused and ensure accountability, warning that delays could further heighten local unrest.
Investigation ongoing amid pressure
Police say they are reviewing CCTV footage, analysing digital evidence, and compiling profiles of suspects. However, the lack of immediate arrests has fuelled frustration among residents and intensified scrutiny of law enforcement efforts.
As investigations continue, authorities have pledged that those involved will be brought to justice. For now, however, the case remains unresolved, with alleged suspects still visible in the community and public confidence increasingly strained.
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