In protest against the murder of gold trader Hiralal Debnath, leaders of the Bangladesh Jewellers' Association (BAJUS) district branch in Lakshmipur staged a silent procession, a human chain, and submitted a memorandum to the authorities.
They also issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding the arrest of the killers, warning of further intensifying their protests if their demands are not met.
The warning was given during a human chain formed in front of the district press club on Sunday morning. Leaders of the district BNP, Jamaat, and Chamber of Commerce also expressed their solidarity with the protest.
During the human chain, BNP Joint Secretary Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, District Jamaat Secretary Faruk Hossain Nur Nabi, General Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce Abul Kalam Azad, along with leaders from the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council and the Youth Unity Council, collectively called for the immediate arrest of the killer.
Speaking at the human chain, Annie stated, "Since August 5, the interim government has come to power for a brief period. Wherever they attempt to govern, they are met with conspiracies. A certain group is actively working to destabilize the government and undermine law and order. These are the same individuals who were involved in oppression, torture, and looting in the past. We, as people of all faiths and backgrounds, are united in our responsibility to resist these conspiracies, build social resistance against them, and remain vigilant."
Earlier, a silent procession was taken out from the city's Sornokar Road area, which culminated in a human chain in front of the press club.
Following this, BAJUS District President Samir Karmakar, along with other BAJUS leaders, submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner(DC) Rajib Kumar Sarker and the Superintendent of Police(SP) Md Akter Hossain.
During the submission, the Superintendent of Police assured that law enforcement agencies are working in coordinated teams to investigate the crime, and apprehend the killers.
He expressed confidence that the police would soon uncover the mystery of the murder and arrest the culprits.
On Friday night, around 8:00 PM, Hiralal Debnath was fatally stabbed by assailants while returning home.
In connection with the incident, the victim's son, Pritom, filed a case on November 9 at the sadar police station, naming three unidentified individuals as suspects.
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
