Home minister orders speedy arrest of all suspects in SI Altaf murder

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has ordered the relevant police officials to swiftly arrest all those accused of killing Special Branch (SB) Sub-Inspector Md Altaf Hossain in Aminbazar, Savar.

The minister gave the directive when the family of the slain police officer met him at his office at the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Secretariat on Thursday afternoon.

During the meeting, he assured the bereaved family that all-out efforts would be made to ensure a speedy trial in the case.

The minister said Tk600,000 had already been provided to the family from the Police Directorate’s welfare fund. He also announced that Community Bank Bangladesh Ltd would provide necessary loans and other support to help keep the family’s business running.

He also directed the authorities concerned to award Altaf Hossain the posthumous Police Medal (PPM) in recognition of his integrity and courageous service during his career.

The minister handed over the financial assistance to Altaf’s wife, Mosa Shuly Parvin.

Sub-Inspector (unarmed) Altaf came under attack by a group of assailants at around 7:30pm on 5 September while trying to settle an argument over the parking of an autorickshaw in Bardeshi Pashchimpara of Aminbazar.

Seeking safety, he took shelter at his elder son’s business establishment. At around 8:10pm, the attackers allegedly launched a brutal assault there with local weapons, rods, pipes, hammers and sticks.

His younger son, Md Ariful Islam, was also seriously injured by a sharp weapon while trying to save his father.

Locals later rescued them and took them to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared Altaf dead.

Altaf’s wife filed a murder case with Savar Model Police Station, naming 15 people as accused.

Altaf joined the Bangladesh Police as a constable from Sirajganj district in 1986. During his 40-year career, he served with the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Rangamati, RRF Rajshahi, Rajshahi Metropolitan Police and Barishal district police with integrity, dedication and professionalism.

He had been serving with the SB in Dhaka since 2011 until his death.

He is survived by his wife and two sons, Shariful Islam, 30, and Ariful Islam, 24.