Top Shia preacher killed in Bangla

A top Shia preacher and homeopathic doctor has been stabbed to death in southwestern Bangladesh in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group, the latest in a series of killings by the dreaded outfit.

Abdur Razzak, 48, was hacked to death by unidentified men on Monday night when he was returning home from his shop in Kaliganj town in Jhenaidah district.

He was rushed to a hospital where doctors declared him dead, said Anwar Hossain, officer-in-charge of Kaliganj police station. The IS claimed responsibility for the killing, the Daily Star reported. But the police rejected the IS claim.

Razzak was a loyal Shia preacher, said Feroz Hossain, headmaster of nearby Bejpara Higher Secondary School. “He was an honest man, often preached religion.” Razzak’s wife Shahnaj Parvin said a few months back her husband received an anonymous extortion call for 2 lakh ($2,550).

“He had no enemy. He was a doctor and Shia follower.”

Bangladesh has witnessed several incidents of violence and targeted killings of atheist bloggers and religious minorities.