I won’t accept attempts to portray my child as a criminal: Oprotim’s mother

The mother of murdered schoolboy Ishayat Shahriar Oprotim has alleged that social media accounts are being used to portray her son as being involved in criminal activities, saying she will not accept any attempt to label the child a criminal.

Comilla University Associate Professor Dr Nahida Begum made the remarks on Tuesday evening (September 22) when leaders of the Cumilla District Bar Association visited her family at their home in Gandhamati, Kotbari, and expressed concern over statements circulating on social media about Oprotim.

“My son is being blamed from different accounts. What could my son possibly understand? If anyone tries to make my little child a criminal, I will never accept it,” Nahida said.

She said she had handed over several suspected drug users and dealers to police while serving as acting proctor of Comilla University in early 2025. If her role in action against drug-related activities had led to her son being targeted, she said, she would not accept that either.

“If I have committed any wrongdoing, punish me. If taking action against drug dealers was my crime, I will face the punishment. Why should my son suffer for it? Why was my son killed?” she said.

Nahida also alleged that attempts were being made to associate Oprotim with drug dealers and portray him as one of them. She maintained that her son was an innocent child who had no understanding of such activities.

Calling for a fair investigation and justice, she said her concern extended beyond her own family, warning that those responsible could pose a threat to other children if they remained unchecked.

The visiting delegation included Cumilla District and Sessions Court Public Prosecutor Kaimul Haque Rinku, government legal officer Tarek Abdullah, Bar Association President Shahid Ullah, General Secretary Mahabubul Haque Khandaker and former president Shariful Islam.

The lawyers expressed sympathy to Oprotim’s family before later meeting the Comilla University administration.