Bangladesh’s ruling party member was discovered murdered in Kolkata, India, on Wednesday morning, over a week after he was reported missing, revealed Bangladeshi Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan.
Anwarul Azim Anar, 56, who secured his third consecutive term in a constituency in the border district of Jhenaidah representing the Awami League party, disappeared on May 13, a day after traveling to India for medical treatment, as per his family members.
Minister Khan informed reporters that three Bangladeshis had been arrested in connection with the lawmaker’s demise.
A collaborative investigation between Bangladesh police and Kolkata police is underway. However, Minister Khan noted that they couldn’t disclose all details at the moment for the sake of the ongoing investigation.
According to Indian police sources speaking to Reuters on Wednesday, a murder case has been registered, but the lawmaker’s body has yet to be recovered. Akhilesh Chaturvedi, a senior police officer in West Bengal, where Kolkata is situated, stated they had obtained video footage from the housing complex where Anar was staying during his visit, and traces of blood were found during the examination.
Another senior police officer, requesting anonymity, suggested that the assailants might have connections to terror groups.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her condolences and profound sorrow over the lawmaker’s tragic demise.