Attack on mayor sparks protest
Patuakhali municipality Mayor Dr Shafiqul Islam came under attack by a gang of criminals in the town at midnight on Wednesday.
Protesting the incident, employees of the municipality yesterday observed strike, brought out a procession and submitted memorandums to the deputy commissioner and the police superintendent demanding immediate arrest of the culprits.
Police said a gang led by Mazharul Islam Rinku of College Road area in the town intercepted Siddiqur Rahman, manager of Health Care Clinic owned by the mayor, in the gymnasium area near the clinic at around 11:30pm and demanded Tk one lakh from him.
As Siddique refused to oblige, the gang beat him up and snatched Tk 6,000 from him. Hearing screams, Mayor Shafiqul, who was staying inside his clinic, rushed to the spot where he also came under attack.
Hearing the news, locals came out of their houses and shops, chased the gang and caught Rinku while the other gang members managed to flee. They later handed over Rinku to the police. Siddiqur Rahman, manager of Heath Care Clinic, filed a case with Patuakhali PS yesterday.
Rinku is the main accused in Mayor's nephew Mahmudur Rahman Polash murder case. Recently, he was granted bail from a court. Local Jubo League leader Polash was killed on July 11, 2005.
Police yesterday produced Rinku, also a member of Patuakhali Bar association, in a court that sent him to jail.
In the memorandum signed by SM Sahin and Nazrul Islam, president and secretary of Patuakhali Poura Karmachari Union, demanded arrest of the other attackers within the next 24 hours. Otherwise, they threatened to launch a tougher agitation programme.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments