Shamim Osman trying to create panic: Rafiur Rabbi

Rafiur Rabbi, father of slain Naraynganj teenager Tanvir Mohammad Twaki, has claimed that Awami League leader AKM Shamim Osman is intentionally trying to create panic ahead of the Naryanganj-5 bypoll.

Rabbi will contest the seat, which fell vacant after the demise of Jatiya Party MP Nasim Osman on Apr 30.

“Shamim Osman himself is trying to create panic by making such statements. The people of Narayanganj are already panicked after the seven murders,” he told bdnews24.com on Saturday.

During a media briefing on Friday, Osman expressed apprehension about Rabbi’s life and demanded security for him.

“It occurs to me that someone may have convinced Rafiur Rabbi to contest the polls and then said ‘Ok, fine. We will finance you; go ahead we are with you.’”

“And then the next day, God forbid, if Rafiur Rabbi goes missing then it will be very difficult for me to prove that I am not involved in it. Therefore, I demand he should be given complete protection,” he had told reporters.

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Reacting on Osman’s comments, Rabbi said on Saturday: “Prior to the City Corporation elections, Shamim Osman tried to create panic by making statements of militants’ attack, but the people went to the voting centres.”

Rabbi was the chief election coordinator of Mayor Selina Hayat Ivy, who defeated Osman in the poll.

“The Election Commission should take steps against Shamim Osman for his efforts to create panic after the schedule for the bypoll has been announced.

“But I think, Shamim Osman himself is panicked by seeing the people’s wrath,” said Rabbi.