Minister assures swift trial, exemplary punishment in Rangpur quadruple murder

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu has said exemplary punishment will be ensured within a short time for those accused of murdering teacher Ganapati Chakraborty and three members of his family in Rangpur city.

The minister made the remarks while speaking to journalists after visiting the residence of the victims in the Machuapara area on Sunday afternoon, August 30.

The relief minister said, "I came here and learned that drug addicts used to disturb Ganapati sir a lot. For speaking out against drugs, sir and his family were killed. Police have already arrested two accused."

Referring to the motive behind the killings and the government's steps, he said, "Drugs are behind this murder. Our government has made the maximum punishment for drug-related offences the death penalty. We hope public awareness will be created against drugs. Unless the public and law enforcement agencies work together, drugs cannot be eradicated from society. Social movements against drugs must be built in neighbourhoods. Drug traffickers, carriers and users must be brought under the law."

Stressing the government's firm stance, the minister said, "The current government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against such killings. In the Ramisha murder case, charges were filed swiftly, and the trial has been completed. In the case of a little girl named Nandini in the area, the trial was concluded within 15 days. Through further investigation, charges will be filed and exemplary punishment ensured for the accused in this heinous murder case within a short time."

Asadul Habib Dulu said the main accused in the killings has already given a confessional statement.

He said drugs are behind the brutal quadruple murder. He reiterated the government's strong stance on drugs and called for building strong social movements against drugs at the neighbourhood level.

During the visit, Rangpur Development Authority Chairman Shamsuzzaman Samu and Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Israt Jahan were among those present.