Obaidur Rahman, a former driver and personal assistant to Satkhira-4 lawmaker Gazi Nazrul Islam, has accused the MP of threatening to kill him and alleged that an attempt was made on his life with the lawmaker’s direct and indirect backing.
Obaidur made the allegations on Saturday at a press conference at the Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association (CRAB) auditorium in Segunbagicha of Dhaka, where he sought protection for himself and his family.
In a written statement, Obaidur alleged that he was attacked with the intention of killing him and was later implicated in a false case to harass him.
He said he had come before journalists not for any political purpose but to establish the truth and seek justice. He also said he had filed an attempted murder case against Gazi Nazrul, whom he described as having been expelled from Jamaat over allegations of moral misconduct, and demanded an impartial investigation.
Obaidur alleged that on 19 June he learnt from his niece about what he described as an illicit relationship with Gazi Nazrul. He claimed that when he confronted the lawmaker at the MP Hostel the following day, Gazi Nazrul admitted to the relationship.
He said he was subsequently offered money and jobs as a personal assistant and driver. Although he declined the money, Obaidur said he accepted the job offer out of concern for his niece’s safety.
Obaidur claimed that he later saw Gazi Nazrul and his niece together on several occasions. He alleged that CCTV footage from a copy shop at Pallabi Metro Rail Station on 22 June and a training centre in Mirpur-12 on 9 July showed them in compromising situations.
He said that on 13 July he went to a rest house in Moghbazar to gather information related to the matter but left after the situation became tense.
That night, he said, he stayed outside Dhaka with his niece and returned to the capital the following day.
Obaidur alleged that after reaching his home at around 11pm, two men identified as Masum and Aminur attacked him with sticks.
He claimed that the attackers threw him to the floor and kicked him in the head in an attempt to kill him before leaving when his mother and younger sister intervened.
Obaidur said he received treatment at Kurmitola General Hospital at 12:38am after sustaining serious injuries.
He said he filed a case with Pallabi Police Station on 21 July against Gazi Nazrul and several others over the attack. The case was later taken over by the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police for investigation.
Several accused were arrested but later secured bail from court, he said.
Obaidur alleged that some of those released on bail, along with several others, had since been threatening him and members of his family.
He said a case accusing him of abducting and trafficking a woman and demanding ransom was filed against him on 2 August. The case is now being investigated by the Police Bureau of Investigation.
Obaidur said he wanted an impartial investigation, adding that he should be brought to justice if found guilty of any offence, while those responsible should face legal action if the case against him was proven false.
He said he filed a general diary with Pallabi Police Station on 20 August after receiving repeated death threats.
Obaidur also claimed to have medical records, case documents and other information related to the incident, as well as papers concerning various allegations against Gazi Nazrul.
He urged journalists to independently investigate the allegations and bring the facts before the public.
