Bangladesh Home Minister Kamal is sure Shariful was Avijit killer

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal says slain ‘terrorist’ ‘Shariful’ was the very person who had killed writer-blogger Avijit Roy.

Shariful was caught in crossfire between ultras and personnel of the CID late on Saturday night at Khilgaon area of Dhaka, police said.

The police later said that the name of the deceased youth was Shariful and claimed that he was the chief suspect in the Avijit murder case.

However, relatives who had come to receive the body of the dead ‘terrorist’ at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital said that his name was not Shariful as the police claimed, but Mukul Rana. They even exhibited identity cards supporting their claim before the press.

Home Minister Kamal however brushed the claims aside saying it is common for terrorists to use several aliases.

The minister expressed his confidence about the police version of the credentials of the dead and said that CCTV footage from Ekushey Book Fair last year shows him stalking Avijit and his wife Rafida Ahmed Bonya.

Kamal also said that police will remain alert and vigilant to ensure an incident-free Eid holiday.

He urged people to install CCTV cameras at home claiming that incidents are less frequent at places under surveillance.

He said that police will patrol the streets but also asked people to remain on guard.

He urged those planning to go on vacation to ensure the safety of their property prior to departing.