The National Citizen Party (NCP) on Thursday strongly condemned the killing of Wahiduzzaman Shamim in Satkhira over allegations of blasphemy, demanding the arrest of those involved and an impartial investigation into a second attack on him at a hospital while he was receiving treatment.
The killing was “a grave assault on the rule of law and the safety and security of citizens”, the party said in a statement sent to the media.
“No group has the right to adjudicate allegations against anyone; that responsibility rests with the state and the lawful judicial system,” it said.
Shamim, 38, died on his way to Satkhira District Hospital on Tuesday night after his condition deteriorated following a second mob attack while he was receiving treatment at Debhata Upazila Health Complex.
Earlier that day, he had been beaten at Kulia Bazar in Debhata before police rescued him, following the circulation on social media of an audio clip allegedly containing blasphemous remarks about Islam.
The NCP statement named Qari Fazlul Haque Ameni as the key instigator of the attack, with local Jubo Dal activist Sadikul Islam and Government Khan Bahadur Ahsanullah College Chhatra Dal convener Mohammad Nazmul allegedly assisting him.
The party questioned how a large crowd had been able to enter the hospital and attack a patient receiving treatment, saying the authorities must investigate not only the killing but also the failure to prevent the second assault.
It demanded that investigators identify and arrest those involved in both attacks based on eyewitness accounts, video footage and other evidence. It also called for an investigation into possible incitement, the mobilisation of the crowd and any negligence or collusion by those responsible for hospital security.
The NCP further demanded an investigation into the source, authenticity and context of the audio clip that triggered the tensions, along with legal action against anyone found to have incited violence through social media.
The party said Shamim’s family had claimed that he was mentally ill and undergoing treatment, calling for proper verification of his medical condition and the context of the statements attributed to him.
“Whether the allegations are true or false, mob killing can never be justified,” the party said, adding that allegations of hurting religious sentiments must be investigated and dealt with through lawful judicial proceedings.
The NCP also called for protection for Shamim’s family and eyewitnesses against intimidation or retaliation, as well as legal assistance for the family to pursue justice.