Four arrested over Opratim murder, confess to crime: Home Minister

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Four people have been arrested in connection with the murder of 13-year-old Ishiat Shahriar Opratim, a Class VII student in Cumilla, and they have confessed to the crime, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said.

Of the four, two are believed to be above 18, while one may be under 18 and their national identity cards (NIDs) are being verified, the minister said.

Salahuddin made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday.

Describing the incident as tragic, the home minister said the entire country was deeply shocked by the death of the 13-year-old boy. Opratim was reported missing, and his body was recovered within 24 hours.

“Within 12 hours, all the suspected accused were arrested. According to the latest information, three were arrested earlier and one today, bringing the total to four. They have confessed to the crime. The remaining legal procedures are now underway,” he said.

Regarding Opratim’s mobile phone, Salahuddin said it had been recovered from the possession of the prime suspect, identified as Tuhin.

“All the evidence has been recovered. They have confessed to the incident. Police are now working on the remaining legal procedures, including whether statements under Section 164 can be recorded,” he said.

Praising the police, the minister said they had managed to arrest all the suspects within 12 hours and seize evidence and other relevant materials.

“Police are conducting forensic analysis, while the victim’s post-mortem has been completed. His burial was also held today,” he said.

Expressing hope for a speedy trial, Salahuddin said the government hope the case will be concluded within a short time, similar to the trial in the Ramisa murder case.

“The court will conduct the trial. We will provide all necessary cooperation by completing the legal procedures and submitting the charge sheet,” he said.