Prayers resume at Bogra Shia mosque

Devotees resumed offering prayers yesterday at the Shia mosque in Shibganj upazila, where an armed attack three days ago left one killed and three others bullet hit. 

There were more people offering Zohr prayers at the mosque than usual, local people said. 

A khadem of local Imamia Janakolyan Foundation, Ukil Mia, has been temporarily appointed as muezzin of the mosque after the killing of the previous muezzin, Moazzem Hossain, in the attack.

Of the two injured, who were admitted to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital, 60-year-old Abu Taher, a devotee, has been recovering while the condition of Imam Shahinur Islam, 35, has not changed, said Rezaul Alam Jewel, vice-principal of the hospital.

Meanwhile, police formed a five-member body to assist Kamruzzaman Mia, officer-in-charge (investigation) of Shibganj Police Station, in the investigation into the attack.

The development came as the investigation officer failed to make any headway in the probe. Additional Superintendent of Police (East) in Bogra Arifur Rahman Mandol will lead the probe body.

Asked whether he came to learn anything about the attackers and their motives, Kamruzzaman said, "We are trying but yet to have any concrete information."

Arifur Rahman said no progress had been made in the probe.

The Rapid Action Battalion yesterday handed over two youths, who had been detained in connection with the attack, to Shibganj police for interrogation.

They are Shahinur Rahman, 24, a student of Azizul Haque College, and trader Raihan Ali, 28, of Amtoli of Shibganj upazila.

Another man detained by the Rab, Minhaj Uddin, 28, of Gupinathpur, was released.