MP Salim Osman 'saved' humiliated teacher, Narayanganj Chamber claims

Businessmen in Narayanganj have sprung to the defence of AKM Salim Osman, MP, who is facing intense criticism for making a headmaster do sit-ups as punishment for alleged blasphemy.

The businessmen claim Jatiya Party MP Salim went to Piyar Sattar Latif High School on Friday 'to save' headmaster Shyamal Kanti Bhakta from enraged mob.
 
Businessmen from eight national and 35 local organisations were present at the news conference organised by the Narayanganj Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), which Osman heads, on Wednesday.
 
The member of influential Osman family, he also heads Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA). His brother AKM Shamim Osman is an MP from the ruling Awami League.
 

Salim Osman had earlier claimed he rushed to the school hearing that a teacher was being beaten. He also claimed Bhakta did sit-ups on his own offering apology for alleged blasphemy.

NCCI Senior Vice-President Manjurul Haque said the local leaders called Salim when they failed to control the mob that was beating the headmaster up.

He claimed Osman escorted the teacher to a hospital and arranged his treatment.

"The teacher would have faced a horrific fate had the MP not gone there," he claimed.