Over 700 accused in murder case filed over Jamaat leader's death in Sherpur clash

A murder case has been filed two days after the death of a Jamaat-e-Islami leader during clashes between supporters of rival political parties in Sherpur.

More than 700 people have been named as accused in the case, including a BNP candidate contesting the Sherpur-3 parliamentary seat.

Police said the case was filed on Friday night by the victim’s wife at Jhenaigati Police Station, bdnews24.com reports.

The victim, 40-year-old Rezaul Karim, was the secretary of Jamaat’s Sreebordi Upazila unit and a lecturer at a local madrasa.

According to police, the case names BNP nominee Md Mahmudul Haque Rubel and 234 leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organisations. A further 400 to 500 unidentified individuals have also been listed as suspects.

The violence broke out on January 28 during an event organised by the local administration to read out the election manifestos of rival candidates ahead of the Feb 12 parliamentary election.

Witnesses said an argument over seating escalated into clashes between BNP and Jamaat supporters, with violence continuing intermittently until the evening. More than 100 people from both sides were injured.

Rezaul was taken to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital in critical condition and died later that night.

Following his death, Jamaat held a protest rally in Sherpur town on Friday, attended by leaders and activists of the party and its allies. The party has also announced a prayer gathering in his memory.

Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman is expected to visit Sherpur on Sunday to pay his respects at Rezaur's grave and address an election rally, party officials said.