The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested the main accused and one accomplice in the brutal killing of a father who protested the sexual harassment of his daughter in Rajshahi. The arrest was made on Friday in Ararapara village under Ramraypur area of Naogaon Sadar Police Station.
The arrested individuals are Md. Nantu (28), the principal accused and a resident of Talaimari Shahid Minar area in Rajshahi city, and his associate Khokon Mia, also from the same locality.
Earlier that same day, another of Nantu’s accomplices, Rumel (25), had been apprehended, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to three.
RAB-5 Commander Lt. Colonel Mohammad Masud Parvez held a press briefing at the RAB headquarters in Rajshahi on Saturday morning at 10:15 AM. He stated that after the murder, Nantu and Khokon had been hiding in an abandoned house, from where they were captured. During preliminary interrogation, both confessed to their involvement in the murder. They have since been handed over to Boalia Model Police Station. Efforts are underway to arrest the remaining accused.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night, when Akram Ali (45), a bus driver and a member of the Rajshahi District Motor Workers Union, was attacked for protesting the harassment of his daughter Rafia Alfi, who is currently sitting for her SSC exams. Akram’s son Imam Hasan was also injured in the attack. Akram was rushed to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, despite losing her father, Rafia appeared for her SSC examination the next day, leaving behind her father’s body.
On Thursday, Akram’s son Imam Hasan filed a case at Boalia Model Police Station, naming seven individuals and identifying four to five others as unknown suspects. The named accused are Md. Nantu (28), Md. Bishal (28), Khokon Mia (28), Tasin Hossain (25), Md. Omi (20), Md. Nahid (25), and Md. Shishir (20)—all residents of Talaimari Shahid Minar area.
The murder sparked widespread outrage, with locals organizing human chains demanding justice for Akram Ali and protection for women from harassment and violence. Authorities continue to pursue the remaining fugitives.