Sunamganj turned restive on Saturday as the district unit of Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal staged a protest rally and demonstration demanding the arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible for the killing of Azizur Rahman Musabbir, former general secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan North Swechchhasebak Dal.

As part of a central programme, leaders and activists brought out a large procession around 11am from the party office near the Old Bus Stand in the town. The procession marched through key streets and ended at Kalibari Mor, where a protest rally was held.

Addressing the rally, speakers said the shooting death of Azizur Rahman Musabbir, a fearless leader of street movements, was a brutal and cowardly act. They alleged that terrorists were trying to silence dissent through violence, but vowed that justice would be ensured through sustained movements.

The speakers urged the authorities to immediately identify, arrest and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The rally, presided over by Sunamganj district Swechchhasebak Dal Convener Monazzir Hossain, was conducted by district unit member and office secretary Sadikur Rahman Chowdhury. Among others, Joint Convener Advocate Ahad Jewel and Sadar Upazila unit Member Secretary Advocate Dipankar Banik Sujit spoke at the programme.

Leaders including Joint Conveners Suhel Mia, Shahjahan Mia, Anwar Alam, Sadar Upazila Convener Abul Kashem Dulu, Joint Conveners Omar Faruk and Samsur Rahman, and a large number of leaders and activists from different units joined the demonstration.

From the rally, leaders warned that tougher programmes would be announced if the culprits are not arrested promptly.

END/UNB/Corr/MN/ssk