Journalist Shimul murder: Mayor’s driver arrested

Police have detained the driver of Shahjadpur Municipal Mayor Halimul Hoque Miru over the murder of journalist Abdul Hakim Shimul.

He was arrested from the Belkuchi Upazila bus terminal on Monday evening, said Case Investigation Officer and Shahjadpur Inspector Monirul Islam.

The driver, 28-year old Shahin Alam, hails from Belkuchi Upazila’s Nolua Dakshinparha.

Shimul, Shahjadpur correspondent for Bangla daily 'Dainik Samakal', was shot in the eye during a skirmish between two factions of the ruling party's Sirajganj unit on Feb 2.

He passed away while in hospital on Friday.

Police said the bullet that killed him was fired from Miru’s shotgun.

After the incident Shimul’s wife named Miru and 18 others in a murder case. Twenty to twenty five other unidentified suspects were accused in the case.

Shahin has been arrested as a suspect, said Inspector Monirul. A total of eight have been arrested so far over the murder.

On Feb 2, the clash between the groups erupted following 'assault' of Bijoy Mahmud, president of Awami League's student wing Chhatra League at Shahjadpur Government College.

One of the factions encircled Miru's residence, blaming him for the assault on the Chhatra League leader.

Additional Superintendent of Police Abul Hasnat said police did reach the spot right on time but the mayor opened fire despite being told not to do so.

The bullet entered Shimul's skull after piercing one of his eyes, doctors said.

Police have detained eight people so far in the case and have seized the shotgun of the mayor.

Shahjadpur unit of the Awami League has called for expulsion of Miru from the party.

Miru was arrested on Monday following a court order. Police have requested a 7-day remand for his questioning.