The government on Thursday clarified that the tragic murder incident that occurred in Pangsha police station area of Rajbari on Wednesday was not a communal attack, dismissing speculations and misinformation surrounding it.

In a statement, the government said police information and preliminary investigations indicate that the violence stemmed from extortion demands and terrorist activities.

The deceased, identified as top-listed terrorist Amrito Mondol alias Somrat, reportedly went to the area to collect extortion money and was killed during a clash with angry locals.

Somrat was accused in several serious criminal cases, including murder and extortion filed in 2023, and an arrest warrant had been issued against him.

Police arrested his associate Selim from the spot and recovered a foreign-made pistol and a pipe gun.

Three cases have already been filed in connection with the incident.

The government strongly condemned the killing and reiterated that it does not support any form of illegal activity, mob justice, or violence.

Legal action will be taken against all those directly or indirectly involved, while law enforcement agencies continue their investigation, said the statement.

The statement also expressed deep concern that certain groups are attempting to portray the incident as a communal attack by highlighting the religious identity of the deceased, calling such claims baseless and driven by malicious intent. “Such propaganda threatens social harmony and could destabilise law and order.”

Calling upon all concerned to act responsibly, the government urged people to refrain from spreading misleading, provocative, or communal narratives.

It reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and justice, stressing that Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony and that any attempt to disrupt peace and stability will be dealt with firmly.