Lalmonirhat’s devout community has erupted in protest, demanding the trial of a father and son arrested on charges of insulting the Prophet (PBUH) and hurting religious sentiments.
The situation in Lalmonirhat has remained extremely tense for three days since the incident.
Meanwhile, a statement made by Lalmonirhat Sadar Police Station OC Mohammad Nurun Nabi in front of a crowd has triggered a storm across social media and beyond.
However, the OC has claimed that he made the statement to control the situation. On Wednesday, Additional DIG (Administration) of Rangpur Range Mohammad Sharif Uddin rushed to the scene and held a public gathering.
Previously, on Sunday, enraged locals from Gosala Bazar in Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila handed over two Hindu barbers—a father and son—to police after giving them a public beating. The accused are Paresh Chandra Shil and his son Bishnu Chandra Shil, residents of Nabin Tari in Lalmonirhat Sadar, who had been operating a barber shop in the Hanif Paglar Mor area of Gosala Bazar for years.
According to police and local sources, on Friday, a teenager who went for a haircut alleged that the barber made ‘insulting’ comments about the Prophet (PBUH). Two days later, on Sunday, some locals confronted the barber shop after the Johr prayer and detained both the barber and his son, alerting the police. The news spread rapidly across social media, prompting a large group of devout Muslims to gather in front of Lalmonirhat Sadar Police Station, demanding exemplary punishment. The situation was brought under control only after the military was deployed. That evening, Imam Abdul Aziz of Namatari Al-Hera Jame Mosque filed a case with Sadar Police Station, leading to the father and son being shown arrested and sent to jail.
In an independent investigation based on anonymous local sources, it was learned that on Friday (June 20) around noon, Nazmul Islam (19), a madrasa student from Namatari area, went to the barber shop for a haircut. During a conversation that stemmed from a family reference, barber Paresh Chandra Shil allegedly made derogatory remarks about the Prophet (PBUH). On Sunday (June 22), Nazmul returned to the shop with several Muslims and dragged the elderly Paresh Chandra Shil out, beating him. His son Bishnu rushed to save his father and begged for forgiveness with folded hands, but the agitated crowd refused to listen and continued assaulting the father. Police, led by OC Mohammad Nurun Nabi, intervened and took the duo into custody.
Later, under the banner of “Combined Worshippers, Gosala Bazar Jame Mosque,” protesters held a rally and submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, demanding punishment for alleged derogatory remarks about the Prophet (PBUH) and his wife.
Meanwhile, Dipti Rani Roy, wife of the accused Bishnu Chandra Shil, gave a video statement saying she went to see her father-in-law and husband in jail to understand what had happened. Her father-in-law told her that the incident was triggered over just 10 Taka. He claimed that after receiving a haircut and beard trim, Nazmul Islam paid 10 Taka less and, when confronted, threatened revenge. A commotion ensued, drawing in locals and sparking the controversy.
A video of OC Mohammad Nurun Nabi’s statement has gone viral nationwide. In the video, the OC is heard saying, “Just like you, I too was moved to tears. How could such audacious behavior happen in this country? I give you my word—when I arrested them, I ensured they would face a case that could lead to life imprisonment or death penalty.”
When asked, OC Mohammad Nurun Nabi stated, “The viral statement was made to immediately calm the crowd and manage the situation. There was no ill intent behind it.”
Lalmonirhat Superintendent of Police (SP) Mohammad Tarikul Islam said he is aware of the OC’s video circulating online and added that the OC may have made the comments to pacify the agitated crowd. However, he has been warned to be cautious.
On Wednesday afternoon, Additional DIG (Admin) of Rangpur Range Mohammad Sharif Uddin arrived to investigate the matter on-site and held a discussion meeting at the Lalmonirhat District Puja Celebration Council office in the Gosala Society premises.
It is mentioned that several locals stated that if the OC hadn’t made that statement, the angry crowd might have ransacked the police station. His bold stance not only earned him public praise but also protected the station from destruction.
