Doulatpur Pir Murder Case Raises Arrest Concerns

Public concern is mounting in Kustia’s Daulatpur upazila as no arrests have yet been made in connection with the killing of Abdul Rahman, also known locally as Shamim, a religious figure widely referred to as a “pir”, even two days after the incident. Residents allege that individuals named in the case are still moving freely in public, raising questions about the pace and effectiveness of the ongoing investigation.

The incident occurred on Saturday. Subsequently, the victim’s elder brother, retired teacher Fazlur Rahman, filed a murder case with Daulatpur Police Station on Monday night. The First Information Report (FIR) names four individuals directly and includes between 180 and 200 unnamed suspects, indicating what authorities believe may have been the involvement of a large group.

Accused reportedly seen in public

Local sources claim that one of the named accused, Asaduzzaman Asad—reportedly the president of the Daulatpur upazila unit of a political organisation—was seen moving freely in his locality on Thursday morning.

CCTV footage is said to show a man identified as Asad travelling on a black motorcycle along the Hosenabad Bazar–Philipnagar road at around 11am. Several residents, speaking anonymously, corroborated claims that he had not gone into hiding despite the serious nature of the allegations.

Separately, the principal accused, Mohammad Khaja Ahmed, a former district-level student wing leader of a political organisation, is alleged to have remained active on social media following the incident. Local accounts suggest he has been posting commentary related to the case and recently shared a banner connected to a political protest programme online.

Police confirm investigation but no arrests

Additional Superintendent of Police (Bheramara Circle) Delwar Hossain confirmed that no arrests have been made so far, though he said investigative progress is ongoing.

“We have not been able to arrest anyone yet,” he stated. “However, we have identified around 25 individuals based on CCTV footage and other forms of evidence. Their profiles are being prepared, and the investigation continues.”

Responding to concerns that suspects were allegedly seen in public, he added: “We are aware of such reports. Arrests will be made at any time. Operations are underway.”

Case overview

Public protests demanding swift action

Tension has also risen in the locality following a human chain and protest rally held on Tuesday afternoon by supporters of the victim and local residents. Protesters demanded immediate arrests and exemplary punishment for those responsible, alleging that the killing was premeditated and carefully planned.

Demonstrators criticised what they described as delays in police action, warning that continued inaction could further destabilise the area and erode public confidence in law enforcement.

Investigation under pressure

Police say they are reviewing CCTV footage, analysing digital evidence, and building detailed profiles of suspects as part of an ongoing investigation. However, the absence of arrests so far has fuelled frustration among locals and intensified scrutiny of the authorities’ response.

While officials have reiterated their commitment to bringing those responsible to justice, the case remains unresolved for now, with alleged suspects still visible in the community and public anxiety continuing to grow.