Businessman killed after being summoned from home in Kishoreganj

❐ District Representative

Hanif Mia (34), a lumberjack, was killed by police after he was summoned from his home in Faridpur Union of Kuliarchar Upazila of Kishoreganj for protesting against the drug trade. His body was recovered by police after he was summoned from his home late on Wednesday night.

Five family members of accused Zakir Hossain have been arrested in this incident.

The deceased Hanif Mia is the son of Md. Ibrahim Mia of Tuku Mia house in Anandabazar area. The family alleges that Zakir Hossain, son of neighbor Laskar Mia, called Hanif from his house around 10:30 pm on Wednesday.

Later, around midnight, Hanif called his wife Ayesha Begum and said that he was being beaten and that some people, including Zakir, might kill him.

Upon hearing this news, the family members quickly rushed to Laskar Mia’s house. But they could not enter as all the gates of the house were closed. Later, after a search by the police, local people and dignitaries, Hanif’s body was recovered from a fallen paddy field about 150 feet east of the house.

Kuliarchar Police Station OC Kazi Arif Uddin said the body has been recovered and sent to the morgue for autopsy. Legal action will be taken based on the family’s complaint. He also said that an investigation is underway to find out the cause of the murder.

Unable to find the accused Zakir, the police have arrested five people, including his mother, father, sister and wife.

Eyewitnesses said that when Zakir’s father Laskar Mia tried to escape, locals caught him and handed him over to the police. However, Zakir Hossain and the other accused escaped.

Meanwhile, an agitated crowd set fire to Laskar Mia’s house on Thursday morning following the incident. A motorcycle inside and outside the house was also burnt in the fire.

Locals said that Zakir Hossain has been involved in drug trafficking for a long time. He is also accused of cow theft and various criminal activities.

The deceased’s wife, Ayesha Begum, said, “My husband called me to save me. Zakir called him from the house and killed him. Despite many pleas, they did not let him live. I want justice for this murder and the hanging of the culprits.”

Ibrahim Mia, the father of the deceased, said, “We went to rescue our son after receiving the news, but they did not open the gate. Later, my son was killed and his body was left on a nearby field. My son was killed because he opposed drug dealing and cow theft. I want exemplary punishment for the killers.”