Khatib hacked to death in Bhola residence Friday evening

Slain Maulana Aminul Haque Nomani, khatib of the Sadar Upazila Parishad Mosque and a teacher at Bhola Darul Hadis Kamil Madrasa.

Bhola, Sept 7 - A khatib (who leads Jumma prayers) was hacked to death inside his own home in Bhola town on Saturday night.

The deceased was identified as Maulana Aminul Haque Nomani, a teacher at Bhola Darul Hadis Kamil Madrasa and khatib of the Sadar Upazila Parishad Mosque. He was also a well-known Islamic speaker in the area.

Locals said Aminul returned home around 9 pm after leading the Esha prayers at the Paschim Charnoabad Jame Mosque. At the time, his wife, daughter and two sons were away visiting relatives, leaving him alone in the house.

Around 9:15 pm, unknown assailants reportedly attacked him inside his room, hacking him multiple times before fleeing. Neighbours rushed to his house after hearing his screams, but found the front gate locked from inside.

They broke through a tin-fence and found him lying in a pool of blood with severe injuries to his head, neck, chest and abdomen.

He was taken to Bhola General Hospital where physicians declared him dead around 10 pm.

Police later visited the crime scene and hospital. Blood stains were found on the floor of the drawing room, near a sofa set.

A computer and webcam were found switched on, with Aminul’s cap lying on a nearby table, police sources said.

Locals described Aminul as a respected alim (religious scholar), popular among the people of the area, and said he had founded a madrasa himself.

Hearing the news, leaders of various Islamic groups and residents held a protest march on Sadar Road in Bhola town, demanding immediate arrest of those responsible. They also staged a rally near K Jahan Market, issuing a 24-hour ultimatum to law enforcers to identify and arrest the killers.

Officer-in-charge (OC) of Bhola Sadar Model Police Station Abu Shahdat Md Hachnain Parvez said several police teams have already launched operations to trace and arrest the perpetrators.

“The motive behind the killing is not yet clear, but we are investigating with utmost priority,” the OC said. - UNB