Family declines to file case over killing of 'pir' in Kushtia

The family of Abdul Rahman Shamim alias Kalandar Baba, a self-proclaimed pir recently beaten and hacked to death in Kushtia's Daulatpur, has decided not to file any case over the killing.

"The person who is gone cannot be brought back. We do not want to get into unnecessary trouble. We are simple people," the victim's elder brother Fazlur Rahman said this morning (13 April).

Fazlur added, "Filing a case would require running around and making various efforts. I do not want to go through that hardship anymore."

When asked whether the family is under any pressure, he said, "No, there is no pressure. Police are still present at the shrine."

Daulatpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Arifur Rahman said the family had initially indicated today that they would register a case, but no one had come to the police station yet.

"Efforts are underway to arrest those involved," he added.

According to locals, a video from several years ago featuring Shamim began circulating on social media on Friday morning (10 April).

In the nearly 30-second clip, he allegedly made derogatory remarks about the Holy Quran, sparking outrage among different groups.

Following this, on Saturday morning, more than 100 people gathered at Abed's Ghat, about half a kilometre from Shamim's shrine.

By noon, they carried out an attack on the shrine.

Eyewitnesses said Shamim died in the attack while at least seven of his followers were injured.