Who was Anwarul Azim Anar: Bangladeshi MP still missing in India

The body of Jhenaidah-4 MP, Anwarul Azim Anar, has not yet been found by Indian authorities. West Bengal CID Inspector General Akhilesh Chaturvedi mentioned in a press conference on Wednesday evening, "We have received specific information that leads us to believe he has been murdered."

This uncertainty has left local leaders and activists with many questions. They wonder if Anar’s body was hidden or dismembered. The mysterious circumstances of his death have sparked various speculations. Amid all these questions, one stands out: Who was MP Anar, and why has his disappearance garnered so much attention?

Who was Anwarul Azim Anar?

Anwarul Azim Anar, son of the late Yakub Biswas of Madhuganj Bazaar, Nishchintpur in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah, was born on May 3, 1968. He was the youngest among four brothers and six sisters. Anar was a businessman by profession.

From footballer to MP

Anar was known as an excellent football player, gaining popularity for his skills. In 1993, he was elected as a commissioner of Kaliganj Municipality at the request of the local residents. Later, he was elected as chairman of Kaliganj Upazila Parishad in 2009. Anar then became an MP for the Awami League in 2014, 2018, and 2024. He also served as the general secretary and later president of the Kaliganj Upazila Awami League.

Renowned in His Community

Anar was a beloved representative, known for his development work and social initiatives. Despite his position, he avoided protocol and interacted directly with people, often traveling by motorcycle. For over three decades, he served his community, personally assisting people and addressing their issues. He was particularly noted for his habit of visiting the homes of the deceased to offer condolences, sometimes visiting multiple families in a single day.

Many local activists suspect his murder might be linked to old business disputes or smuggling activities, possibly involving someone familiar to him.

Party Leaders Speak Out on the Murder

Kaliganj Upazila Awami League’s Joint General Secretary and Chairman of Sundarpur-Durgapur UP, Wahiduzzaman Odu, expressed his grief, "We are deeply saddened by this murder. We never imagined an MP would be killed while seeking treatment in India. This is a great loss for us and the Kaliganj Awami League. We demand exemplary punishment for the killers."

Matior Rahman Mati, Joint General Secretary of Kaliganj Upazila Awami League and former Vice Chairman, echoed this sentiment, "When we learned he was missing, we immediately informed the authorities. However, we didn’t receive any clear information about the rescue efforts. It’s heartbreaking to find out he was brutally murdered. We demand to know the reason behind this murder and seek justice for those involved."

Kaliganj Upazila Awami League‍‍`s Organizational Secretary, Jahangir Alam, added, "He went to India for ear treatment. After 10 days, we were shocked and devastated to hear about his murder. We are at a loss for words to console his family. The Home Ministry, Foreign Ministry, and the Bangladeshi Embassy in India have kept us in the dark. We still don’t know if his body has been recovered. I don’t want to comment further on this."

Matiar Rahman Mati reiterated, "I’ve heard the body hasn’t been found yet. We don’t know who or why he was killed, but we demand justice for the murderers."

Bina Khatun, a reserved women’s councilor of Kaliganj Municipality, said, "We cannot accept this murder. We want justice and to see those responsible brought to justice."

In the late afternoon, Anar‍‍`s associate Rubel Hossain was seen crying on the steps of Anar’s political office. He told Bangla Tribune, "Before leaving for India, MP Anar told me to save the checks. They were for poor people. He said he would distribute them once he returned. Now, who will think of the poor?"

The mystery surrounding Anar‍‍`s death continues, with calls for justice and many unanswered questions about the fate of the beloved MP.