Hacked Chandpur khatib shifted to Dhaka for treatment, case filed

A case has been filed following the brutal attack on Maulana ANM Nur Rahman Madani, the khatib at Professor Para Molla Bari Mosque in Chandpur Municipality, who was hacked with a sharp weapon after Friday prayers on July 11. 

The victim’s eldest son, Afnan Taki, lodged the case against the accused, Billal Hossain, at Chandpur Model Police Station on Friday night. 

Maulana Madani, seriously injured in the attack, was initially admitted to Chandpur General Hospital, where he received 12 stitches for a head wound near his ear. 

Due to his critical condition, he was transferred to Dhaka Holy Care Hospital on Friday night for advanced treatment. Afnan Taki confirmed, “My father is now out of danger and receiving treatment in Dhaka. I demand justice for the attacker.” 

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation across social media and local communities, with calls for a thorough investigation into the motive behind the attack. Rumours claiming Maulana Madani’s death have also circulated online, adding to public unrest. 

Chandpur Model Police Station’s Inspector (Investigation) Mintu Dutta said, “Afnan Taki filed a case naming Billal Hossain as the accused. We have initiated an investigation, and preparations are underway to produce the suspect in court.” 

The attacker, Billal Hossain, 50, a raw material trader from Bakultala, Chandpur town, and son of the late Ayub Ali, was apprehended by mosque attendees immediately after the assault and handed over to police. 

Reports indicate that Hossain, enraged by Maulana Madani’s sermon during Friday prayers, attacked the khatib with a locally made sharp weapon, described as a chapati, in a planned assault inside the mosque. 

Afnan Taki alleged, “Billal Hossain attacked my father over a disagreement related to a religious discussion about the Prophet (PBUH). I don’t understand why he resorted to such violence.” 

Maulana Mahbub Hasan, the imam of the mosque, added, “After the sermon, Billal tried to raise an issue but was stopped by devotees. He later attacked the khatib as he exited post-prayers. It’s unclear if the motive was religious or personal.” 

Dr Syed Ahmed Kajal, the on-duty doctor at Chandpur General Hospital, reported, “The patient had a severe wound near his ear requiring 12 stitches. His condition was critical upon admission.” 

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the attack, with the community demanding swift justice for the violent act.