‘My husband died for the country’: Slain RAB member Motaleb’s wife seeks justice

A quiet corner of the RAB-7 headquarters in Chattogram became heavy with grief amid preparations for the funeral of RAB member Motaleb Hossain Bhuiyan.

Clutching her two young children, his wife Shamsun Nahar broke down, demanding justice for a husband she said chose duty and country over his own life.

“My husband was a patriot. He loved the country deeply. That is why he gave his life. Otherwise, he could have fled.”

Motaleb’s funeral was held on Tuesday afternoon. 

Senior officials, including the RAB director general, attended the gathering.

Overcome with grief, Shamsun Nahar continued: “They left nothing of my husband. They caused so much suffering. These criminals must not be allowed to remain in Bangladesh. They must face the harshest punishment.”

“I want justice for my husband’s murder. I want the criminals to be hanged.”

Motaleb’s daughters were weeping inconsolably as well.

RAB-7 Assistant Director Nayek Motaleb was killed on Monday afternoon when RAB personnel came under attack during an operation. 

Three others were injured and admitted to the Combined Military Hospital in Chattogram.

According to RAB-7, the operation began around 4:15pm on Monday to arrest “armed criminals”. 

Sensing the presence of RAB members, between 400 and 500 assailants launched a sudden attack after making announcements over loudspeakers.

RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman spoke with Motaleb’s wife and later told reporters that RAB would take responsibility for the slain officer’s family.

“The family of martyr Motaleb has suffered an irreparable loss,” the RAB chief said. 

“His wife has lost her husband, and his children have lost their father. We cannot bring him back. But we want to assure them that we are taking responsibility for the family, so that they do not have to face hardship in his absence.”