Kushtia residents take to streets demanding justice in 'Pir' Shamim killing

Followers and local residents staged a human chain and protest rally in Daulatpur upazila on Tuesday afternoon (April 14), demanding the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved in the killing of 'Pir' Shamim Reza Jahangir.

The programme was held in front of the darbar in Philipnagar, where participants held photos of Shamim and described the killing as “premeditated.”

After the human chain, protesters brought out a procession that marched through key points, including Darogar Mor and Islampur Zero Point, before ending at the darbar premises.

Arifur Rahman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Daulatpur Police Station, said, “Police were present at the scene.”

“A case has been filed over the incident, but no arrests have been made yet. Multiple police units are working to apprehend the accused,” he added.

The victim’s elder brother, Fazlur Rahman, filed the case on Monday night naming four individuals, including a former district-level Chhatra Shibir president and a local leader of Khelafat Majlish, as accused. Additionally, 180 to 200 unidentified individuals have been listed in the case.

According to locals, tensions escalated after an old video circulated on social media alleging religious defamation. On Saturday afternoon, an agitated mob attacked the darbar in Philipnagar, carrying out vandalism, arson, and looting before beating Shamim to death.

Residents say grief and anger continue to prevail among his followers.

Authorities have tightened security in the area, with a heavy police presence deployed to maintain law and order.