Family of slain Chhatra Dal leader Shakil in Natore says it faces a security crisis; state minister Putul orders stronger police patrols

The family of slain Chhatra Dal leader Shakil Islam (32) of Gurudaspur upazila in Natore is living in a security crisis. When Farzana Sharmin Putul, state minister for women and children affairs and social welfare, visited their home on Thursday afternoon, family members told her of the crisis.

State Minister Putul went to the slain Shakil's home in the Khamar Nachkoir neighbourhood of Gurudaspur municipality that day to meet the family members. The family then told her about the risks to their safety.

Sumi Khatun, sister-in-law of the slain Shakil, said that even while Shakil lay dying under treatment in hospital, attackers would come beside their house late at night, bang on the tin fence and walk around the house. They were frightened in this way. She said her husband lives abroad; now the only man left in the house will be her father-in-law, and they are living in insecurity.

Riazul Hasan, inspector (investigation) of Gurudaspur police station, was with the state minister at the time. State Minister Farzana Sharmin Putul immediately instructed him to ensure police security in the neighbourhood. In particular, she directed that police vehicles patrol the area at all times.

Putul later told journalists that Shakil was a dedicated leader for the party and that such a killing of him was unacceptable. She said she stands by Shakil's family and will remain beside them until justice for the killing is ensured, so that she can face the family afterwards.

Soon after State Minister Putul left, Rakibul Islam Rakib, central president of Chhatra Dal, visited the house. He spoke with Shakil's father, his mother Shahana Begum, his wife Hafsa Khatun and his sister-in-law Sumi Khatun. He assured them that Chhatra Dal will always stand by the family to ensure justice for the killing.

Shakil Islam, member secretary of Gurudaspur municipal Chhatra Dal, was seriously injured in an attack on the night of October 14. He later died on the night of October 26 while under treatment in Dhaka. The local political arena has heated up over the incident.

In the Shakil murder case, Nuruzzaman Mintu, son of Abdul Aziz, member of parliament for Natore-4 (Gurudaspur-Baraigram), has been arrested and taken on a three-day remand. Gurudaspur police station officer-in-charge (OC) Abdul Hannan has been withdrawn over allegations of negligence in the investigation. The case is being investigated by the Detective Branch (DB) of police.

Asked about the security crisis of Shakil's family, Gurudaspur police inspector (investigation) Riazul Hasan said the family members had told the state minister about their security concerns and the state minister had given instructions on the matter. He said he would discuss the issue with higher authorities. Police patrols in the area will be increased, and if necessary police will be deployed at the house.