Five pro-BNP men remanded

Five pro-BNP men, who earlier denied confessing in court to killing Rajshahi University professor AKM Shafiul Islam, were remanded for two days yesterday.

Of the five, Abdus Samad alias Pintu, 34, a former RU Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leader, "masterminded" the killing following a row between his wife, an employee of the university, and the slain teacher, claimed the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab).

After being arrested by Rab, the five confessed before the media on November 23 that they killed the professor. But two days later, on November 25, when presented before court, they denied giving confessions and said Rab had obtained their confessions under duress.

Of the remaining four, Ariful Islam alias Manik, 33, is a former Jubo Dal leader of Katkhali municipality in Rajshahi, while Sabuj Sheikh, 18, Sirajul Islam alias Kalu, 22, and Al Mamun, 31, were identified by Rab as the armed activists of JCD and Jubo Dal.

An admirer of mystic philosopher Lalon, the sociology professor was hacked to death in front of his near RU campus on November 15, by unknown assailants. So-called militant outfit Ansar al Islam Bangladesh-2 claimed responsibility of the murder only two hours later.

So far 17 people have been arrested.