Rafiur Rabbi, a prominent cultural activist and father of Tanvir Mohammad Toki—murdered in 2013 allegedly by associates of Awami League leader Shamim Osman—has strongly condemned the arrest of Dr. Selina Hayat Ivy, former mayor of Narayanganj City Corporation.
In a social media post, Rabbi denounced the government’s actions as selective and unjust.
“While state forces reportedly helped Shamim Osman flee the country with his family, Ivy was taken into custody early this morning,” Rabbi stated. “The BNP also assisted Osman’s family in leaving the country.”
Rabbi questioned the logic behind the murder charge against Ivy, highlighting her long-standing antagonistic relationship with Osman. “How can Ivy, known for her bitter rivalry with Shamim Osman, be accused of committing murder alongside him?” he wrote.
He further criticised the manner of Ivy’s arrest. “Since the August 5 events, Ivy never fled and remained at her residence. So why was her house surrounded overnight and she forcibly taken in the morning?”
Rabbi noted Ivy’s unique position as a mayor who worked above party lines. “Unlike many local government offices turned into Awami League branches, Ivy resisted partisan politics and treated all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, equally,” he said. “This, perhaps, kept her from enjoying Sheikh Hasina’s political favour.”
Rabbi recalled that Ivy had repeatedly protested against extortion, land grabbing, and violence by party members. “Shamim Osman filed three corruption complaints with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) against Ivy—all of which found nothing substantial,” he stated. “Even recent investigations showed errors regarding Ivy’s bank accounts.”
Despite criticising Ivy’s association with the former ruling party, Rabbi defended her integrity. “Ivy has never been accused of murder, extortion, or terrorism, even by her opponents,” he stressed. “But the government has not taken action against those truly involved in killings, land grabs, and money laundering.”
Rabbi called for justice: “We have fought against impunity for sixteen years without success. We reject the culture of punishment without crime. If Ivy is guilty, she must be tried. But we demand the state ensures fair and transparent justice for her.”