Protesters demands withdrawal of criminal case against Sufi Mizan in Ctg

Sufi devotees in Chattogram have called for the withdrawal of a criminal case filed against PHP Family Chairman Sufi Mohammad Mizanur Rahman claiming he was falsely accused.

At a press conference held yesterday (7 May) at the Chattogram Press Club, they alleged that Ekushey Padak-winning industrialist Sufi Mizanur Rahman had been falsely implicated in an effort to harass and tarnish the image of a respected figure.

Prof Kamal Uddin, general secretary of the Shahadate Karbala Mahfil Executive Committee, read out a written statement on behalf of the group.

Speakers at the event urged senior government advisers, particularly those in the law and home ministries, to intervene and ensure the immediate withdrawal of the charges against the industrialist.

Figures present at the press conference included Allama Kazi Mainuddin Ashrafi, chairman of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat; Mufti Asiyar Rahman; Sirajul Mostafa, additional managing director of Peoples Insurance; freedom fighter and politician Ekramul Karim; and Abdul Hai Masum, treasurer of the Shahadate Karbala Mahfil.

Following the briefing, supporters held a protest rally on the press club premises, calling for justice and expressing solidarity with Sufi Mizanur Rahman.

Abdul Karim, officer-in-charge of Kotwali police station, confirmed that a rally was held Wednesday evening demanding withdrawal of the case.

Earlier on 3 May, a criminal case was filed at the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court against 201 individuals, including Sufi Mizanur Rahman, alleging their involvement in funding efforts to suppress the recent anti-discrimination student movement.

The accused include former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, cabinet members, university vice-chancellors, journalists, cultural figures, former judges, and business leaders.

In a separate statement, the PHP Family asserted that its chairman has no connection to the allegations raised in the case filed in the Dhaka court.