Protests ring around country over Shimul’s death

Thousands of people participated in the Namaz-e-Janaza of Shimul, which was held at Shahjadpur Pilot High School premises in Sirajgang. Shimul’s body was buried later on saturday at his village home in Madla-Kakilabari after a second Namaz-e-Janaza there. A human chain was organised to protest Shimul’s murder at University of Dhaka on saturday. Protesters demanded immediate detention of alleged killer Shahzadpur Municipality Mayor Halimul Haque Miru. They also demanded exemplary punishment for the crime that has stirred the people from around the country. The protesters also urged AL to expel the mayor from the party. “Samakal Shurid Shomabesh” organised the hour-long human chain at DU’s Raju Memorial Sculpture around 11:00am on Saturday. Shahed Chowdhury, city editor of Daily Samakal, Shamakal Chief Reporter Loton Ekrum, Divisional Editor of Samakal Shurid Shomabesh Shirajul Islam and members of JU and DU Shurid Shomabesh participated in the programme among numerous others. Speaking at the rally, Shahed Khan said the government should expel the alleged mayor from the party to prove Al’s willingness for justice as some AL leaders acknowledged the mayor’s involvement. Sirajganj AL, along with journalists called for a half-day shutdown in Sirajgang. Shops and businesses in the area remained closed and transportation was scarcely available. Journalists, activists of Chhatra League and people in general wore black badges in their demonstrations. Protesters also came out on saturday in Rajshahi, demanding justice for Shimul’s murder. Rajshahi Press Club organised a human chain at the Zero Point in the city. Apart from journalists, politicians, students and teachers, people from all other walks of life participated in the demonstration. A human chain was also organised in front of the Noagaon Press Club at 12pm. The protesters demanded a safer working environment for journalists. Gaibandha Press Club arranged a human chain at the same time where numerous journalists demanded the arrest of Halimul Haque Miru, the alleged perpetrator. Dinajpur Press Club held a human chain from 10am-12pm in front of the club. They stressed that no other journalist should be in danger for carrying out their duties. Barisal Bureau Chief of Daily Samakal, Pulok Chaterjee led demonstrations in Barisal. People from all walks of life joined in to demand justice for Shimul. A human chain was organised at 11am at the Sadar Street in the city.