Khatib hacked to death in Bhola

A khatib was hacked to death inside his home in Bhola town on Saturday (6 September) night.

The victim, Maulana Aminul Haque Nomani, was a teacher at Bhola Darul Hadis Kamil Madrasa and khatib of the Sadar Upazila Parishad Mosque. He was also known locally as an Islamic speaker.

Abu Shahdat Md Hachnain Parvez, officer-in-charge (OC) of Bhola Sadar Model Police Station, said several police teams had already launched operations to trace and arrest the perpetrators.

"The motive behind the killing is not yet clear, but we are investigating with utmost priority," he added.

According to locals, Aminul returned home at around 9pm after leading the Esha prayers at Paschim Charnoabad Jame Mosque. At the time, his wife, daughter and two sons were visiting relatives, leaving him alone in the house.

About 15 minutes later, unidentified people reportedly attacked him inside his room, hacking him multiple times before fleeing.

Neighbours rushed over after hearing his screams but found the front gate locked from inside. They broke through a tin fence and discovered him lying in a pool of blood with grievous injuries to his head, neck, chest and abdomen.

He was taken to Bhola General Hospital, where doctors declared him dead at around 10pm.

Police later visited both the crime scene and the hospital. Blood stains were found on the floor of the drawing room, near a sofa set.

A computer and webcam were discovered switched on, while Aminul's cap lay on a nearby table, police sources said.

Locals described Aminul as a respected alim (religious scholar) who was widely admired in the area, noting that he had founded a madrasa himself.

Following the news of his death, leaders of various Islamic groups and residents held a protest march on Sadar Road in Bhola town.

They also staged a rally near K Jahan Market, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible and issuing a 24-hour ultimatum to law enforcers to identify and detain the killers.