Bangladesh’s Home Minister, Asaduzzaman Khan, has identified businessman Akhtaruzzaman Shahin as the prime suspect in the murder case of parliamentarian Anwarul Azim Anar.
In an exclusive interview with PTI, Khan revealed that efforts are underway to locate Shahin and bring him to trial. Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs is collaborating with law enforcement agencies in Bharat, Nepal, and the US to apprehend Shahin and ensure justice for the victim’s family.
Khan emphasized Shahin’s significance in the investigation, stating that he is a key suspect wanted for questioning. The ministry is actively engaging with international agencies, including Interpol, to coordinate efforts in locating Shahin.
In addition, three individuals, including a woman with prior criminal involvement, have been apprehended in connection with the case, with investigations ongoing.
While the motive behind the murder remains undisclosed, Khan assured that details would be revealed in due course. Meanwhile, Shahin’s brother, Md Shahiduzzaman, who serves as the mayor of Kotchandpur municipality, expressed disbelief at his brother’s alleged involvement.
Shahiduzzaman urged for stringent action if Shahin is found guilty, emphasizing the difficulty in accepting his brother’s potential implication in such a serious crime.
Despite attempts to contact Shahin in the US proving futile, his brother provided insights into Shahin’s recent activities, stating that he had spoken with him just two weeks prior, during which Shahin appeared content. Shahiduzzaman, however, claimed ignorance regarding his brother’s business dealings and relationship with the slain MP, asserting that his knowledge was limited to Shahin’s wealth without details about his ventures.
In parallel developments, authorities in West Bengal are exploring avenues for Shahin’s extradition to Bharat, where the crime transpired, as Bangladesh lacks an extradition treaty with the US.
Shahin, purportedly a close associate and business partner of the deceased parliamentarian, is believed to be residing in New York City, holding US citizenship.
The victim, Anwarul Azim Anar, a respected three-time parliamentarian from Jhenaidah-4, served as the president of Awami League’s Kaliganj sub-district unit. His disappearance on May 13, following medical treatment in West Bengal, triggered a comprehensive investigation into his whereabouts, ultimately leading to revelations of his gruesome murder.
Investigators disclosed that Shahin allegedly enticed Anar to a luxurious residential complex in Kolkata’s New Town area, facilitated by Bangladeshi model Celesty Rahman, where the parliamentarian was subsequently murdered. Shahin’s travel itinerary, indicating trips to Bharat, Nepal, and Dubai, before reportedly settling in New York City, further deepens the mystery surrounding the case.
Details emerged suggesting that Anar was strangled before his body was dismembered by a Bangladeshi butcher, identified as Jihad Hawladar, and accomplices. The remains were then discarded across various locations in South 24-Parganas district.
Despite the apprehension of four individuals, including three from Bangladesh and one from West Bengal, the search for Anar’s complete remains continues, underscoring the complexity of the investigation.
Comments