Attack and looting at expatriate's shopping mall in Natore's Gurudaspur after funeral, owner claims about Tk 5 crore in damage

An attack, vandalism and looting have taken place at the Rush Mega Shopping Mall, owned by an expatriate, at Chanchkoir Bazar in Gurudaspur upazila of Natore. The attack happened at around 10:45pm on Tuesday, 27 October, immediately after the funeral prayer of slain Chhatra Dal leader Shakil Islam. The mall's owner is US-based expatriate businessman Russell Hossain, who claims the incident caused damage of about five crore taka.

Eyewitnesses said Shakil's body was brought to Gurudaspur on Tuesday night after a funeral prayer in Dhaka. The funeral prayer was held at around 10:30pm at the Samsuzzoha Government College field. Afterwards, an announcement over a loudspeaker called on people to join a protest march, and about 200 to 250 people marched to Chanchkoir Bazar. At one point they attacked the Rush Mega Shopping Mall.

According to eyewitnesses, the attackers broke the mall's shutters and looted shops selling ready-made garments, cosmetics and shoes and sandals. The mall was then vandalised. After looting continued for about 40 minutes, police took position at the scene. At that time, several people were seen carrying looted goods on their heads and taking them away on rickshaw-vans.

Mall owner Russell Hossain alleged that a quarter had long been trying to shut down his establishment. He said people were gathered around the Shakil killing and extensive vandalism and looting were carried out at his establishment. He demanded a proper investigation of the incident and punishment for those involved.

Locals said there is talk in the area that mall owner Russell Hossain is close to Nuruzzaman, son of Natore-4 MP Abdul Aziz, who has been arrested in the Shakil Islam murder case. Locals suspect the mall may have been attacked for that reason. However, the actual cause of the attack is a matter for investigation.

The slain Shakil Islam was the member secretary of the Gurudaspur municipal Chhatra Dal. On the night of 14 October, assailants hacked him and seriously injured him. He was first taken to Gurudaspur Upazila Health Complex and then to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. Finally he was admitted to Bangladesh Medical University Hospital in the capital. After 12 days under treatment, he died on Monday night.

In the Shakil murder case, allegations of involvement were raised against Nuruzzaman, son of Natore-4 MP Abdul Aziz. Police arrested him on Monday night. On Tuesday evening, a court granted his three-day remand.

Natore Additional Superintendent of Police Iftekhar Alam said some opportunistic people created a mob and produced such a situation. The matter will be investigated and action taken.

Natore Deputy Commissioner Sumoni Akter said some opportunistic people created a mob and harmed an expatriate. Police have been asked to investigate the matter and take necessary action.