MP Anar Murder: Bangladesh police seek Indian help to bring key suspect Shahin back from US

Bangladesh police have sought cooperation from Indian authorities to extradite Md Akhteruzzaman, also known as Shahin, the primary suspect in the murder of lawmaker Anwarul Azim Anar, from the United States, said Chief of Detective Branch Harun Or Rashid on Thursday.

"Md Akhteruzzaman, also known as Shahin, is the mastermind in the murder of lawmaker Anwarul Azim Anar. The murder took place on Indian soil, so their police will also want this suspect. We have requested their assistance in extraditing Shahin. They have informed us that they will take appropriate measures after discussing with their higher authorities," he told reporters on Thursday noon as a three-member team led by him returned home after visiting the Indian city of Kolkata as part of the investigation into the murder. The team went to Kolkata on May 26.

Harun also mentioned that another suspect in the murder, Siam Hossain, is currently in Kathmandu, while the planner Akhteruzzaman is in the US. Their mobile numbers, passports, and other information have been collected and supplied to the Interpol. The DB is also in regular contact with Bangladesh embassies in the US and Nepal to bring them back home.

Anar, a three-time lawmaker from Jhenaidah-4, travelled to India for medical treatment on May 11. He initially stayed with his friend, gold trader Gopal Biswas, in Baranagar, Kolkata. After Anar went missing upon leaving Gopal’s house, Gopal filed a general diary with the local police station, prompting investigations in both countries.