RAB arrests 2 over Rajshahi man's murder after protesting daughter’s harassment

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested two individuals, including the prime suspect, in connection with the killing of a man in Rajshahi who had protested the harassment of his daughter.

The arrestees, Md Nantu and his associate Khokon Mia, were detained last night (18 April) from Ararapara village in Naogaon Sadar upazila.

They had been hiding in a house in the area, according to RAB-5 Commander Lt Col Mohammad Masud Parvez.

"During initial interrogation, they confessed to their involvement in the murder," he said, adding that both suspects have been handed over to Boalia Model Police Station.

Akram Hossain, 45, a bus driver, was killed Wednesday night (16 April) near the Shaheed Minar area in Talaimari.

His family said he had previously confronted a group of local youths for repeatedly harassing his daughter. After this, the group came to his house and threatened him.

According to the case filed by Akram's son, Md Imam Hossain, he was attacked around 10:15pm while returning home. A group led by Nantu, armed with iron rods, bamboo sticks, wooden logs and bricks, assaulted him near the Talaimari Shaheed Minar.

When Imam screamed for help, his father rushed to the scene. The attackers then turned on Akram and struck him on the head with a brick, causing serious injuries. Locals took him to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, where he was declared dead at 10:45pm.

Father killed for protesting daughter’s harassment in Rajshahi

The incident sparked widespread outrage. Locals held a human chain protest at the site of the attack, demanding the arrest and trial of those responsible within 24 hours.

A murder case was later filed at Boalia Model Police Station, naming seven individuals, including Nantu, Bishal, Khokon Mia, Tasin Hossain, Omi, Nahid, and Shishir, along with three to four unidentified persons. RAB subsequently launched a manhunt to apprehend the accused.