NATORE: The brutal murder of Shakil Islam, member secretary of the Gurudaspur Municipal Chhatra Dal in Natore, has sparked widespread outrage, sending shockwaves through local and regional politics across Natore and the wider Rajshahi division. BNP and Chhatra Dal leaders and activists have expressed deep anguish over the incident.
Caught in the Crossfire of a Power Struggle
According to investigative findings, a bitter conflict has long persisted between the two sons of Natore-4 Member of Parliament (MP) Abdul Aziz—Nuruzzaman Mintu (the elder son) and Mahmuduzzaman Sohag (the younger son)—over political dominance and control of local criminal syndicates. Shakil was initially a close political follower of Mintu, but following the recent political shifts, he transitioned into a key associate and right-hand man to Sohag.
Local activists allege that with Shakil's backing, Sohag expanded his local influence, triggering intense friction with Mintu. Amid this escalating struggle for dominance between the MP’s two sons, Shakil was attacked with sharp weapons near his home on October 14. After fighting for his life for 12 days, he succumbed to his injuries on the night of October 20 while receiving treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in Dhaka.
Allegations Surrounding Nuruzzaman Mintu
Nuruzzaman Mintu, who serves as the joint convener of the Gurudaspur Municipal Jubo Dal, has faced severe allegations from locals. Residents claim he formed a private armed force following recent political changes. Key allegations include:
Narcotics and Extortion: Allegations tie him to the narcotics trade in the Rajshahi region, including collecting regular tolls from over 50 drug spots in Gurudaspur.
Pond Excavation & Land Grabbing: Locals allege he amassed massive wealth by controlling local administration and police stations to facilitate illegal pond excavations and soil selling. A local BNP leader claimed Mintu forcibly snatched BDT 5 million from the sale of soil from his excavated pond.
Other Extortion Channels: Additional complaints involve fertilizer dealership appointments, the takeover of a Christian family's land in Baraigram, and regular extortion from local business and trader associations.
Influence of Sohag and Other Associates
On the other side, younger brother Mahmuduzzaman Sohag reportedly maintains tight control over the local administration and contracting works in Gurudaspur, backed by a loyal group of local Jubo Dal leaders. Until his death, Shakil served as the principal operational pillar for Sohag's faction.
Meanwhile, in the Baraigram upazila of the same constituency, MP Aziz’s nephew Sadikur Rahman Suman—a sociology lecturer at Baraigram Government College—has been accused by locals of overseeing illegal operations on behalf of the family. Suman has denied the allegations, stating that he has no involvement in criminal activities.
Controversial Role of Law Enforcers
The role of former Gurudaspur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdul Hannan drew sharp criticism following the incident. Reports suggest that prior to the attack, Shakil had filed or attempted to file a General Diary (GD) fearing for his life, which was allegedly suppressed. Amid mounting public anger, OC Hannan was withdrawn from his post, and the case was transferred to the District Detective Branch (DB) of Police.
Police stated that Mintu had completed a three-day remand period and that ongoing investigations are underway to identify and apprehend all involved parties. Two additional individuals have been detained for questioning.
Denials and Family Response
MP Abdul Aziz has vehemently denied all allegations against his sons, asserting that they do not possess any criminal networks or illegal armed groups and that there is no rift between them. Similarly, Sohag dismissed the allegations as baseless propaganda, maintaining that his family had a long-standing positive relationship with Shakil.
The incident triggered tense scenes at the hospital and during the funeral, where local leaders confronted the MP's camp. An atmosphere of deep tension continues to prevail in the area as party leaders and family members demand an impartial, transparent investigation and strict punishment for those responsible.