Suspect arrested over forced haircut of elderly man in Mymensingh

The victim says he left the matter to Allah but later filed a complaint on his family’s advice

Police have arrested one suspect in a case over the public harassment of elderly Halim Uddin Akanda, whose hair and beard were forcibly cut in Mymensingh’s Tarakanda.

The arrest was made on Tuesday afternoon in Mymensingh.

The suspect, 47-year-old Mojnu Mia, is from the Kashiganj area of the Upazila.

Tarakanda Police chief Md Tipu Sultan confirmed the arrest, saying Mojnu is a named accused in the case.

The complaint was filed on Saturday by the victim’s son Shahid Akanda.

Halim said he was forcibly grabbed and had his hair and beard cut while at the market on the day of the incident, when few people were around.

“I tried to escape but couldn’t. I left the matter to Allah’s justice and still seek His judgement. But on my family’s advice, I have now filed the complaint and will see what justice is served.”

He added, “About eight to nine people, including two outsiders and locals like Noyon and Mojnu, were involved. They are still in the area and threatening me, damaging my honour. I want justice.”

Locals identified Halim Uddin as a resident of Kodalia village, near the Mymensingh-Netrokona Highway.

Villagers know him as “Halim Fakir”.

He is not considered mentally unstable, they said.

A follower of Shahjalal and Shah Paran, he gave up shaving after visiting their shrines about 34 years ago.

Since then, he had let his hair and beard grow and lived peacefully, without complaints from family or neighbours.