Dhaka, July 12 (V7N) - Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has condemned the gruesome public murder of scrap businessman Lal Chand, also known as Sohag, in Old Dhaka. The incident took place on Wednesday evening in Rajni Ghosh Lane, near Mitford Hospital, where the victim was brutally attacked with bricks and stones in front of a crowd. Jamaat-e-Islami has raised concerns about the safety and security of citizens, particularly questioning the political environment allegedly fostered by the opposition party, BNP.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Secretary-General, Mia Golam Parwar, issued a statement on Friday, condemning the murder and linking it to extortionist activities reportedly conducted by BNP-affiliated individuals. "The people have the right to ask, how safe are their lives and property under a political party that supports extortionist criminals? What kind of politics does a party engaged in such activities preach? If they come to power, how can the country, the nation, or the state ever feel secure?" said Golam Parwar.

According to Jamaat-e-Islami, the murder was a result of a failed extortion attempt by members of Jubo Dal, the youth wing of BNP. The party claims that the victim, Sohag, was targeted because he refused to comply with extortion demands.

Jamaat’s statement further condemned the shocking and inhumane nature of the killing. "Not only was the victim stripped of his dignity, but the assailants danced on his lifeless body. The barbarism of this act, carried out in broad daylight, surpasses even the savagery of the Age of Ignorance (Jahiliyya)," the statement said.

Jamaat-e-Islami called for swift action against the perpetrators and demanded that the government take strong measures to deal with these "fascist" elements within the political sphere.

Investigation and Arrests

In connection with the incident, two suspects—Mahmoodul Hasan Mohin and Tarek Rahman Robin—have been arrested by the police. The court has granted them remand for further interrogation. Mohin is on a five-day remand, while Robin’s remand has been set for two days. Police have filed a case for both murder and possession of illegal weapons at the Kotwali police station.

The victim, Sohag, was originally from the Namabari area in Keraniganj and had been working in the scrap business in Old Dhaka for years. The brutal murder occurred around 6 PM on Wednesday, in front of dozens of witnesses, who were reportedly horrified by the extent of the violence.

Jubo Dal Leaders Expelled

In a related development, two senior leaders of BNP’s Jubo Dal have been expelled from the party due to their involvement in the crime. The expelled individuals are Razzab Ali Pinto, former Deputy Secretary of the Jubo Dal Central Executive Committee, and Sabah Karim Lucky, Joint Convener of Dhaka Metropolitan South Jubo Dal. BNP’s Central Information Committee confirmed their expulsion in an official statement late Friday, signed by Minhazul Islam Bhuiyan, Assistant Secretary.

The murder has sparked widespread condemnation, with citizens and political leaders calling for accountability for the growing trend of political violence. Investigations are ongoing, with hopes that police will uncover the full extent of the criminal network behind this shocking act.

END/SMA/AJ/