Lakshmipur businessman 'raids' eateries, forces people to hold ears, do sit-ups for eating during Ramadan
“Some people are entering eateries and eating meals instead of fasting. As Muslims, we have conducted a precautionary drive… to protect the sanctity of Ramadan,” he told TBS
A local businessman forced a group of people to do sit-ups while holding their ears for eating at shops instead of fasting during Ramadan in Lakshmipur Sadar this afternoon (12 March).
Videos of the incident, recorded by journalists present at the spot, have gone viral on social media platforms, drawing severe backlash from netizens.
The businessman has been identified as Lakshmipur Banik Samity's acting president Abdul Aziz.
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According to eyewitnesses, Aziz and his associates entered an eatery covered with clothes, with sticks in their hands. He insulted those eating at the shops and forced some of them, including elderly people, to do sit-ups while holding their ears
Speaking to The Business Standard, Aziz admitted to forcing people to do sit-ups for not fasting.
"Fasting is obligatory for Muslims. But some people are entering veiled eateries and eating meals instead of fasting. As Muslims, we have conducted a precautionary drive on behalf of the Banik Samitee to protect the sanctity of Ramadan," he told TBS.
"Some people have said that they made a mistake by not fasting. They have been given a warning as punishment," he added, referring to the forced sit-ups.
When pointed out that he does not have the authority to 'punish people', Aziz said he did so as "90% of the countrymen are Muslims".
Meanwhile, contacted over the incident, Lakhsmipur Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Jamshed Alam Rana said he was not aware of the incident.
"I will look into it. Besides, if any of the victims file a complaint seeking action over the incident, we have the option to take legal actions against him [Aziz]," he said.
