Asif Mahmud’s father’s influence has made it impossible for the families of the victims in the Muradnagar triple murder case to find justice or safety. On July 3, in the Koraibari area of Bangra Bazar, Rikhita Akter witnessed the brutal murder of her mother Ruby Akter, brother Russell, and sister Jonaki, who were hacked and crushed with stones by the attackers. Her younger sister Ruma Akter is still fighting for her life in a hospital in the capital, while the attackers also targeted her 11-month-old nephew, Raisha.
Rikhita and her sister-in-law Mim Akter managed to hide in a toilet to escape death, but the attackers remain at large. Despite being the victims, Rikhita and her family are now forced to live in hiding. She accuses local Union Parishad Chairman Shimul Billah and other primary suspects of being under the protection of Asif Mahmud’s father, former headmaster Bilal Hossain, who is allegedly using his influence to prevent their arrest.
Speaking to BanglaVision, Rikhita Akter said, “The main accused, including Shimul Billah, are still free. The police are not arresting them. They have been threatening us with death, saying they will dismember us if they catch us. That’s why we are living in fear and fleeing.”
This issue is further complicated by the alleged involvement of Asif Mahmud’s father, Bilal Hossain, who is believed to be sheltering the perpetrators. Rikhita and Mim Akter claim that due to his influence, no action has been taken by the police.
The situation is not isolated. On September 17, 2023, another incident took place at the Akubpur Yakub Ali Bhuiyan Public High School in the same area. Shikha Rani, an assistant headteacher, was tortured and stripped after being locked in a room. Her violation was filmed and spread on social media. The video reportedly showed Bilal Hossain, Asif Mahmud’s father, involved in the harassment of Shikha.
Shikha Rani explains, “I was acting headteacher when Bilal Hossain was dismissed for embezzling school funds in 2014. Now, after his son became an advisor, Bilal has shown his resentment towards me. He used Shimul Billah, Sattar Member, and other local thugs to torture me.”
Even more troubling are the allegations from local businessman Mohammad Ali, the former president of the school’s management committee. Ali claims that Bilal Hossain embezzled over 5 lakh taka and used forged signatures for the withdrawal. After Bilal’s son became an advisor, Ali and his family have been subjected to physical, mental, and financial harassment. Ali further states that he was tortured under police custody and had to pay 30 lakh taka to secure his release.
In addition to these events, Bilal Hossain’s men have been accused of forcibly taking over the pond and cutting down trees belonging to local fish farmer Dulal Chandra. The suspects involved in this crime include Shimul Billah, Sattar Member, Masud, and Bashar.
When contacted, Bilal Hossain responded by saying, “The photo with Shimul Chairman was taken six months ago. We can have tea together, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, now they are trying to create unnecessary allegations against us.”
He also claimed, “BNP leader Kaykobad is spreading these rumors because he believes Asif Mahmud will stand for elections. They are trying to drag Asif into any controversy.”
Despite repeated attempts to contact Asif Mahmud, he did not respond to calls seeking comment on the allegations against his father.
With these ongoing allegations, it remains unclear how an influential figure like Asif Mahmud’s father continues to shield criminals, while the victims and their families face immense suffering and fear. Asif Mahmud’s Father’s Influence to raise serious questions about justice and accountability in Muradnagar.
