Bangladesh's Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan has revealed that the businessman Akhtaruzzaman Shahin is the prime suspect in the murder of parliamentarian Anwarul Azim Anar, and efforts are underway to secure his extradition from the US with the cooperation of Indian and Nepalese authorities.
"Of course, we are actively pursuing Akhtaruzzaman Shahin. He is a pivotal figure in our investigation, and we have engaged with law enforcement agencies in India, Nepal, and the US to ensure he faces trial," stated Khan from Dhaka.
"We are coordinating efforts to apprehend Shahin and bring him to justice. Our interactions include liaising with Interpol to serve justice to the family of the deceased parliamentarian. Three individuals, including a woman, have already been apprehended, with investigations ongoing," he added.
On the motive behind the murder, Khan mentioned, "Details will be disclosed in due course." Efforts to contact Shahin in the US have been unsuccessful, though his brother Md Shahiduzzaman, the mayor of Kotchandpur municipality in Jhenaidah, urged severe action if Shahin is found guilty.
Shahiduzzaman expressed disbelief, stating, "Growing up together, it's hard to fathom his involvement in such a heinous act. If proven guilty, he must face consequences."
He added, "I spoke to him two weeks ago, and he sounded content. He is believed to be in the US."
However, Shahiduzzaman claimed ignorance regarding Shahin's business dealings or his relationship with the murdered MP.
A senior police officer in West Bengal disclosed, "Bangladesh lacks an extradition treaty with the US, but India does. Plans are underway to seek Shahin's extradition to India, given the crime occurred within our jurisdiction."
Shahin, a close associate and purported business partner of Anar, is suspected to be residing in New York City, where he holds US citizenship.
Anar, a three-time parliamentarian from Jhenaidah-4, served as the president of Awami League's Kaliganj sub-district unit.
Anar traveled to West Bengal for medical treatment on May 11 but disappeared from Kolkata on May 13.
Investigators allege that Shahin, aided by Bangladeshi model Celesty Rahman, enticed Anar to a luxurious residential complex in Kolkata's New Town area, where the murder took place.
Shahin reportedly traveled to India on April 30 and returned to Bangladesh on May 10 before departing for Nepal on May 18 and later purportedly to Dubai, finally landing in New York City.
According to West Bengal CID sources, Anar was strangled before his body was dismembered by Bangladeshi butcher Jihad Hawladar, who, along with two accomplices, disposed of the remains across South 24-Parganas district. Anar's body parts remain undiscovered.
So far, four individuals, three from Bangladesh and one from Bongaon in West Bengal, have been arrested in connection with the case.
Amanulla Sayeed, 56, Tanvir Bhuiyan, 30, and Celesty Rahman, 22, were presented in the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's court around 2:30 pm on Friday.
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