A leader of a local traders' association in Lakshmipur has issued an apology after publicly forcing three individuals, including an elderly man, to perform sit-ups with their ears pulled for not fasting.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday in the district town, sparked outrage both locally and nationally after a video of the event went viral on social media.
In a video message filmed later that night from the police station, Abdul Aziz, the acting president of the association, expressed regret for his actions and apologized to the victims, Munshurul Haque and Md Saju, who were present.
The third victim, an elderly man with red hair and a beard, was not seen in the video.
Aziz gained significant attention after his image circulated on social media.
According to the details of the incident, Aziz, armed with a stick, forced the three individuals to perform sit-ups with their ears pulled at a food hotel on Thana Road during the afternoon.
Eyewitnesses reported that both young men and elderly individuals who were not fasting during Ramadan were publicly humiliated in this manner.
Videos of the incident quickly spread on Facebook, leading to widespread criticism and media coverage, including from international outlets such as the BBC.
In his video apology, Aziz explained the rationale behind his actions, saying: "A few Muslim individuals entered a Hindu hotel to eat. To preserve the sanctity of Ramadan, I immediately went there and asked them why they were eating. I told them, ‘You are Muslims.’ They replied that they could not fast.
"What I did was wrong and a crime. This was a matter of religious sentiment, and I should not have done that. Therefore, I apologize to these three individuals. I ask for their forgiveness, and I assure them that I will never do such a thing again. I will never be involved in such actions again."
Following the public outcry, district police intervened and Aziz was detained. However, after his apology and the victims' decision not to pursue legal action, Aziz was released.
Lakshmipur Sadar model police station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Monnaf said: "After the incident, following the direction of the superintendent of police, business association leader Aziz was called to the police station. We also brought two of the victims to the station.
"None of them filed any complaints. Additionally, Abdul Aziz himself has apologized. Therefore, he has been released."
Monnaf also mentioned that efforts to locate the third victim, the elderly man, are ongoing.
"If he or any other victim comes forward, legal action will be considered."
