A protest rally was held in the capital on Friday demanding the immediate arrest, fair investigation and maximum punishment for those responsible for the killing of Mohammad Mujahidul Islam Bulbul, joint general secretary of the Bandar thana unit of Islami Jubo Andolan Bangladesh in Narayanganj.The rally was organised by Islami Jubo Andolan Bangladesh after Jumma prayers at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.Islami Andolan Bangladesh Secretary General Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman addressed the rally as the chief guest. Speakers at the programme alleged that Bulbul was killed in an attack by the so-called Sifat gang.Gazi Ataur Rahman described the killing as “brutal and alarming”. He said no criminal should be allowed to escape punishment for killing an active youth leader allegedly for protesting against extortion and drug trafficking.He called for the immediate arrest of everyone involved in the killing and demanded the highest punishment following a fair investigation.He also said Bulbul was the principal complainant in a case filed on August 20 under the Anti-Discrimination Act (Case No 14). Sheikh Sifat, he said, was listed as accused No 6 in the case.“If exemplary justice is not ensured for the killing of a witness in the July uprising, the July fighters will once again take to the streets,” he said.Criticising the government’s handling of law and order, Gazi Ataur Rahman alleged that the BNP government had failed to curb crime and that the activities of extortionists, rapists and drug traffickers had increased.Ensuring the safety of people and their property is the government’s constitutional and moral responsibility, he said, urging the authorities to take a firm stance against murder, terrorism and lawlessness.Speaking as chair of the programme, Islami Jubo Andolan Central President Atikur Rahman Mujahid said Bulbul was a dedicated activist and responsible youth leader of the organisation.“We will not accept any delay or evasion in ensuring justice for Bulbul’s killing,” he said, demanding the immediate arrest of the perpetrators, an impartial investigation and the maximum punishment.Other leaders, including Islami Andolan Assistant Secretary General Sheikh Fazlul Karim Maruf, Jubo Andolan Secretary General Mufti Mansur Ahmad Saki, Maulana Ilias Hasan and Mufti Abduz Zaher Arefi, also addressed the rally.Following the rally, the protesters brought out a procession that passed through several roads in the capital.