Hit-And-Run: Culprit will be punished

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan yesterday said law would take its own course and whoever responsible in Tuesday's fatal road accident allegedly involving a lawmaker's son near Mohakhali flyover would not be spared.

“We are yet to know for sure who was behind the steering at that time. Everything will be clear after investigation. But what I can say is that nobody is above the law,” he said replying to a query at a programme in the capital.

The minister's remarks came at a time when lawmaker Ekramul Karim Chowdhury of Noakhali has reportedly negotiated with the family of Selim Bapary, who was hit by a luxury vehicle registered to Ekramul's wife Kamrun Nahar Shiuli.

According to witnesses, lawmaker's son Shabab Chowdhury was behind the steering on that night when Selim, a driver by profession, was run over and killed while crossing the road.

Lawmaker's family, however, refuted the claim. 

Witnesses also claimed that the vehicle did not stop after hitting the man.

The car's number plate fell off on impact and was found at the scene. A biker chased it and later another motorist joined the chase. They chased the car to the NAM flat compound near the Jatiya Sangsad.

Imran Hossain, managing director of Nawar Properties Ltd where the victim worked for around 20 years, confirmed the negotiation.

“The lawmaker is very much sympathetic to the family, and he willingly agreed to look after Selim's family until his death,” he told The Daily Star.

The victim's family will be given an amount of money monthly. Besides, a fixed deposit account of a handsome amount would be opened for the family. Sources said the amount could be between Tk 20 and 30 lakh.

Imran further said Selim's family accepted the deal as nothing could return their beloved to them.

During a meeting with the victim's family, lawmaker admitted that the car belongs to him and their son Shabab was driving the car, said a source.

Asked about the negotiation, lawmaker Ekramul declined to comment.

“Investigation is going on and police are looking into it. I have nothing to say about it,” he told The Daily Star yesterday.

“We do politics for the country and it is our fault. It is as if no accident happened in Bangladesh before; as if it's the first such case for which capital punishment must be given,” he added. 

Masud Alam, deputy commissioner (Mirpur Division) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, said probe was on and no negotiation would hamper it.

“Legal action will be taken whoever is found guilty in the investigation. We have no scope to take anything else into consideration,” he said, adding that the vehicle and the suspect were under police surveillance.