Elderly Imam Killed in Mosque Attack

An 80-year-old man has died following a sudden attack inside a mosque during preparations for the Fajr (dawn) prayer in Sreemangal upazila of Moulvibazar district. The incident occurred early on Sunday at the Furkania Jame Mosque in the West Loiarkul Cumilla Para area, leaving the local community in shock and distress.

According to local sources, the deceased, Hafiz Miah (80), had long been associated with the mosque and regularly performed duties such as giving the call to prayer and leading congregational prayers in the absence of an imam. On the morning of the incident, he arrived at the mosque as usual to prepare for the dawn prayer.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that during the preparatory phase for the prayer, a local man identified as Jasim Miah (35) suddenly attacked him inside the mosque premises. It is reported that the assailant struck the elderly man multiple times using a pen-like object. The severity of the injuries caused Hafiz Miah to collapse at the scene. He was later declared dead due to excessive bleeding and multiple wounds.

Following the incident, worshippers present at the mosque immediately informed the authorities. Police from Sreemangal Police Station arrived promptly and detained the accused from the scene. Law enforcement officials stated that the detainee was behaving abnormally at the time of arrest and has since been taken into custody for questioning. However, the exact motive behind the attack has not yet been confirmed.

The body of the deceased was later sent to Moulvibazar Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination. After completion of the autopsy, it was handed over to the family. Medical officials indicated that the primary cause of death was severe blood loss, and multiple injury marks were found on the body.

Locals described Hafiz Miah as a devout, peaceful and respected figure in the community who had been serving the mosque for many years. The incident has caused widespread grief and anger among residents, particularly as it took place within a religious institution.

Police have confirmed that a full investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances and motive behind the killing. Authorities are also speaking with local residents and witnesses to gather further information and ensure appropriate legal action is taken.

Incident Summary

The incident has raised serious concerns within the local community regarding safety and security in places of worship, prompting renewed calls for vigilance and preventive measures.