Muezzin stabbed while giving Azan

A muezzin was seriously injured after unidentified attackers stabbed him in the abdomen with a sharp knife while he was giving the Fajr azan at a mosque in Naldanga, Natore, on Monday (October 5).

The injured man was identified as Md Syed Islam, 50, son of late Shahad Hossain of Char Bangalpara area. The incident occurred at Char Bangalpara Jame Mosque under Piprul Union in Naldanga upazila early Monday.

According to police and local sources, Syed Islam was giving the azan when he suddenly stopped. Hearing the interruption, locals rushed to the mosque and found him lying on the floor in a blood-soaked condition. The attackers had allegedly stabbed him in the abdomen before fleeing the scene.

Locals, including the victim's brother, rescued him and took him to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. His condition was reported to be critical.