Lakshmipur businessman issues apology for forcing squats as punishment during Ramadan

Abdul Aziz, the acting president of Lakshmipur Banik Samity, has issued a public apology after forcing individuals to perform squats while holding their ears as punishment for eating at a hotel during Ramadan.

The video of the incident went viral on social media, triggering widespread criticism.    

In a video statement recorded at Lakshmipur Sadar police station on Wednesday night at around 11:45pm, Aziz admitted, "In an effort to uphold the sanctity of Ramadan, I questioned some individuals about why they were eating, as they were Muslims. They admitted they were not fasting. What I did was wrong—it was a crime. It was a matter of religious sentiment, but my actions were not justified. I sincerely apologise and promise never to repeat such an act."

In the video, Aziz was seen holding two of the victims, Munshurul Haque and Md Saju, as he sought their forgiveness. However, an elderly man with red hair and a beard, who was also seen in the viral video, was absent from the recording.

Lakshmipur businessman 'raids' eateries, forces people to hold ears, do sit-ups for eating during Ramadan

Abdul Monnaf, officer-in-charge (OC) of Lakshmipur Sadar Model Police Station, told the media, "Aziz was brought to the station following the incident, along with two of the victims. Since no complaints were filed against him and he has apologised, he was released."

The OC further mentioned, "We searched for the elderly victim with red hair and a beard but could not locate him. If he or any other victim comes forward with a complaint, we will take legal action."

The incident occurred on Wednesday when Aziz, wielding a stick, forced several individuals—including an elderly man who was not fasting—to perform squats on the street. The incident caused widespread outrage after videos of it surfaced on social media.

According to witnesses and local residents, earlier in the afternoon, Aziz had raided several curtain-covered Hindu eateries in the Thana Road area of the town. He forced several non-fasting individuals, both young and elderly, out of the restaurants and onto the street, where they were made to do squats while holding their ears.

The videos of the incident quickly spread across social media, drawing condemnation from across the country. National and international media outlets reported on the matter, prompting the police to detain Aziz later that night.

When questioned by journalists, victims Munshurul Haque and Md Saju confirmed that Aziz had punished them in the name of preserving the sanctity of Ramadan but had since apologised, they would not pursue legal action.