Chandpur khatib attacked, shifted to Dhaka for treatment
NN Online:
A case has been filed after the violent attack on Maulana ANM Nur Rahman Madani, the khatib of Professor Para Molla Bari Mosque in Chandpur, who was hacked with a sharp weapon inside the mosque following Jummah prayers on July 11.
The victim’s eldest son, Afnan Taki, lodged a case at Chandpur Model Police Station the same night, naming Billal Hossain, 50, a raw material trader from Bakultala, as the prime accused.
Maulana Madani sustained a deep head wound near his ear and was initially treated at Chandpur General Hospital with 12 stitches. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was transferred to Dhaka’s Holy Care Hospital later that night.
“My father is now out of danger and undergoing treatment. We want justice,” Afnan told reporters.
The attack has triggered widespread outrage on social media and among local residents, while false rumours of Madani’s death have further fuelled public concern.
Police Inspector (Investigation) Mintu Dutta confirmed that an investigation is underway and preparations are being made to present the accused in court.
Eyewitnesses said Billal, reportedly enraged by a portion of the khatib’s Friday sermon, carried out a premeditated attack using a locally made weapon, believed to be a chapati. Worshippers immediately restrained him and handed him over to the police.
Afnan alleged that the attack stemmed from a disagreement over a religious point regarding the Prophet (PBUH).
“I don’t know why he reacted so violently,” he said.
The mosque’s imam, Maulana Mahbub Hasan, added that Billal had attempted to argue after the sermon but was stopped by attendees.
“He later ambushed the khatib as he exited the mosque. It’s still unclear if the motive was personal or religious,” he said.
Dr Syed Ahmed Kajal, the duty doctor at Chandpur General Hospital, confirmed that Madani was in critical condition when admitted and required immediate surgical attention.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities under pressure from the community to ensure swift justice for the attack.
