Suspect in Child Murder Assaulted Again at Sylhet Court

An angry crowd attacked Zakir Hossain, the primary suspect in the brutal rape and murder of four-year-old Fahima Akter, as he was brought to the court premises in Sylhet on Thursday morning. The violent mob targeted Zakir while police escorted him from a prison van to the tribunal building, marking the second time the accused has faced physical retaliation on judicial grounds within a month.

The commotion unfolded as law enforcement personnel transported Zakir from Sylhet Central Jail under tight security, placing a helmet on his head to protect his identity and safeguard him from public wrath. However, relatives of the young victim and grieved community members had gathered around the courtyard ahead of his scheduled appearance at the Sylhet Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal. As soon as officers stepped down from the vehicle with the accused, several young men broke through the perimeter and launched a direct assault.

Police officers stationed at the scene moved quickly to shield the detainee, resorting to a baton charge to disperse the aggressive crowd and regain control of the situation. Despite the heightened security measures, the breach highlights the intense public rage surrounding the case. A near-identical attack took place on 23 June, when angry onlookers similarly ambushed Zakir during a court appearance.

Addressing the incident, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) of Sylhet Metropolitan Police, Md Monjurul Alam, confirmed that the accused was brought to court under an adequate police escort. He noted that a group of individuals attempted to assault the suspect during transit between the vehicle and the building, adding that law enforcement authorities have launched an investigation to identify those involved in the physical altercation.

The case stems from the disappearance of four-year-old Fahima Akter, daughter of Raisul Haq, a resident of Sonatola village in Sylhet Sadar. The child vanished on 6 May, sparking a desperate search by her family and neighbours. Two days later, her lifeless body was recovered from a marshy ditch near the village. The discovery triggered outrage throughout the area, prompting police to arrest Zakir, a fellow villager, on 11 May as the prime suspect. Incensed by the horrific nature of the crime, local residents attacked and vandalised Zakir’s house on two separate occasions following his arrest.

During preliminary judicial proceedings, Zakir confessed to the crime in court, admitting his involvement in the child’s death. Demonstrating unusual swiftness, police completed their investigation and submitted a formal charge sheet just one month and five days after the incident. The charge sheet formally indicted Zakir on charges of attempted rape and murder. Furthermore, investigators charged his two brothers, Jaynal Ahmad and Abul Kalam, with assisting in the concealment of the victim’s body.