A local ecological asset conservation leader in Sunamganj on Sunday succumbed to his injuries received in an attack.
Azad Miah, a popular and local leader for his haor conservation movements, was attacked by unknown assailants on Thursday night in Sunamganj town. He was taken to a local hospital and later moved to Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital, and later to a private hospital in Sylhet, where he died of injuries.
According to his cousin Fazlu Miah, Azad’s resolute stance against corruption and judicious arbitration had irked several influential groups, who, he alleged, are behind Azad’s murder.
Azad’s brother Aziz Miah said that the attack may have been directed by Ukil Miah, an influential local who had butted heads with Azad on several occasions.
According to locals, Azad had filed a case over irregularities in the haor protection dam, which had greatly inconvenienced Ukil Miah, which they believe was the impetus for the murder.
Aziz filed a case against four identified suspects and eight unidentified people, with Ukil Miah as the prime suspect.
Later, on Sunday night, Sunamganj sadar police arrested Ukil Miah, who confessed to being involved in the murder, according to Additional Superintendent of Police Md Hayat-Un-Nabi.
Azad Miah is survived by four brothers, two sisters, his wife, and three children, and a horde of bereaving well-wishers.