The Special Response Battalion (SRB-6) has arrested Fazlul Haque Amini, the prime accused in the murder of Wahiduzzaman Shamim in Debhata, Satkhira, following allegations of religious defamation.
SRB-6 Commander Lt Col Nistar Ahmed confirmed the matter.
Additional Superintendent of Police Zayen Uddin Muhammad Ziad, commander of SRB-6 Satkhira CPC-1, said an SRB-6 team arrested Amini, 45, during a raid in Bishnupur area of Kaliganj around 11:00pm on Friday based on a tip-off.
Amini, son of Qari Ruhul Amin of South Parulia in Debhata, was later handed over to Debhata police for further legal action.
According to the case statement, an audio recording of a conversation between Shamim, 38, and his wife was circulated on Facebook on October 12. After allegations that the recording contained derogatory remarks about religion, locals became agitated and attacked Shamim’s house.
The following afternoon, Shamim was allegedly dragged out of a rural doctor’s chamber at a local market and beaten while receiving treatment.
Police rescued him and admitted him to Debhata Upazila Health Complex. Later that night, around 8:30pm, a group allegedly led by Fazlul Haque Amini attacked the hospital, took Shamim away and assaulted him again.
Shamim died while being taken to Satkhira Medical College Hospital.
His elder brother Abdul Jalil later filed a murder case with Debhata Police Station, naming 10 people and accusing 200–250 unidentified individuals. Amini was named the prime accused.