The brother of Aktaruzzaman Shaheen, the alleged mastermind behind the murder of Jhenaidah-4 MP Anwarul Azim Anar, has asserted that if Shaheen is found guilty, he should be punished according to Bangladeshi law. Police have identified Shaheen, a childhood friend and business partner of the MP, as the primary orchestrator of the murder.

In a phone conversation on Thursday afternoon, this correspondent spoke with Shaheen’s elder brother, Kotchandpur Municipality Mayor Shahiduzzaman Selim. Selim expressed disbelief over his brother’s involvement but acknowledged the necessity of the legal process.

"If my brother is guilty, he should be punished according to the prevailing laws of the country. We are not above the law," Selim stated.

According to the investigation, Aktaruzzaman Shaheen resides in the United States with his family but frequently visits Kotchandpur. He maintains a home in Elangi village, which is known to host various prominent individuals.

Meanwhile, a team of two Indian police officers is set to arrive in Dhaka on Thursday to collaborate on the investigation. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman confirmed that the Indian officers would arrive by 2 pm to share information about the case.

Thus far, two cases have been filed—one in Bangladesh and another in Kolkata. Three suspects have been arrested, but the alleged mastermind remains at large.

According to sources, MP Anar crossed the Darshana-Gede border into India for medical treatment on May 12. He initially stayed at the home of his Indian friend Gopal Biswas in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. The following day, Anar left to see a doctor and was expected to return by evening but instead went to Delhi, informing Biswas via WhatsApp that he would call if needed. Since then, he could not be reached, and the government confirmed his death on Wednesday based on information from Indian police.