The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing has dismissed as false several Indian media reports that claimed slain businessman Lal Chand, also known as Sohag, was a Hindu.
In a statement posted on its verified Facebook page, ‘CA Press Wing Facts,’ on Sunday night, the Press Wing clarified that Lal Chand, whose official name was Md Sohag, was a Muslim by faith. “Indian media outlets, including NDTV, India Today and WION, have falsely identified him as a Hindu,” the statement said.
According to family details, Lal Chand’s father was Md Aiyub Ali and his mother was Aleya Begum. He is survived by his wife Lucky Begum, his sister Fatema, and his son Sohan.
On 9 July, Sohag was brutally beaten to death by a group of assailants in front of Gate No. 3 of Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital in Dhaka. After his death, his body was desecrated with stones. Footage of the gruesome attack quickly spread on social media, sparking public outrage across the country.
Police have so far arrested seven people in connection with the killing.
Sohag was buried beside his mother’s grave in his native village of Bandargachhia, Ward 7, Dhalua Union, Barguna Sadar Upazila, following funeral prayers last Friday.
Although some Indian media outlets carried headlines describing Sohag as a Hindu, their reports did not provide any concrete details about his religious background.
“Indian media outlets are continuously spreading numerous false reports about alleged minority persecution in Bangladesh,” the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing noted in its statement.