The powerful Khans of Tangail have remained above the law. The four brothers of the family have faced over 50 cases on various charges, but not one of them has stood trial. Now, however, with their names involved in the murder of local Awami League leader Faruk Ahmed, they are finally under pressure.
Most of the cases against them were settled in the court in the absence of the defendants and witnesses. The government recommended withdrawal of some of the cases on political consideration. The brothers were thus acquitted of all cases.
The four Khan brothers are, Awami League lawmaker Amanur Rahman Khan (Rana); Tangail municipal mayor Shahidur Rahman Khan (Mukti); business leader Zahidur Rahman Khan (Kakon); and central vice president of Chhatra League Saniyat Khan (Bappa). There were several cases, including two murder cases, against another brother Aminur Rahman Khan (Bappi), but he was murdered at his own home in November 2003.
District police officers say that several of the accused persons in the Faruk murder case have stated in court that these four brothers were involved in the murder. Investigations into the matter are likely to be completed shortly.
Local Awami League leaders say that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recently called the wife of the murdered Faruk to Gono Bhaban and talked to her. She also talked to other local leaders outside of the Khan family. Since then the Khans have come under considerable political pressure.
Investigating officers say they are awaiting further evidence regarding the case. They are trying to arrest Kabir who had directly shot Faruk dead. They have also replied to the court notice barring the arrest of the four brothers. The police hope the court will settle this matter soon.
Two close associates of the Khans, Anisul Islam (Raja) and Mohammed Ali, issued confessional statements in court on 17 August and 5 September respectively. They informed the court of the four brothers' complicity in the murder. Since then Amanur Rahman, Zahidur Rahman and Saniyat have stopped coming to the area though Shahidur Rahman remains there.
On 17 September Amanur Rahman MP filed a writ appeal with the court to avoid arrest. The court instructed the police not to arrest them outside proper legal procedures. The court also asked them to show cause why arresting them would not be unlawful. After this court order the MP would visit the area occasionally.
Eldest brother Amanur Rahman MP faces the highest number of cases among the four. A total of 46 cases have been filed against him till date. The government has recommended the withdrawal of two of the murder cases among these. He was been acquitted of 42 cases.
Another brother Shahidur Rahman has faced 36 cases. There are several cases against the other two brothers as well, including two murder cases. So far they haven't had to face trial in a single case.
The member of parliament was not found for comment. His close associates say he does not want to say anything now. He does not come to the area like before so he could not be contacted at his political office there. No response was made from his NAM residence in Dhaka. His brother, Tangail municipal mayor Shahidur Rahman, tells Prothom Alo that most of the cases filed against them in the past were false and politically motivated cases.
Concerning their names being involved in the Faruk killing case, he said that this was a planned conspiracy against Awami League. This is harming them and the party. He hopes that they will be acquitted of these charges too.
Faruk Ahmed's wife Nahar Ahmed says, "I did not name anyone in the case. Their names surfaced in police investigations. If they are guilty, I definitely want then to be tried."
She is being threatened in various ways. Bricks have even been thrown at the house, she says.
Police super Saleh Mohammed Tanveer says that the case is proceeding properly and more evidence is being gathered. The actual murderers will be charged.
Nahar Ahmed says that the prime minister had assured her of justice. When she mentioned the involvement of the murderers with Awami League, the prime minister said that the murderers would not be spared, no matter who they were. Action would be taken against them. The prime minister had told her that even leaders like Latif Siddique had been dropped from the party. No leader was bigger than the party, the prime minister said.