Narayanganj-based Sruti Cultural Academy yesterday demanded immediate arrest of traders, who extract sand from Narayanganj's Mayadwip and Nunertek areas, for allegedly abducting and attempting to murder poet and environmentalist Shahed Kayes.

At a press conference in the capital’s Jatiya Press Club, the academy members accused Railways Minister Mujibul Haque, Comilla 1 (Daudkandi-Meghna) lawmaker Subid Ali Bhuiyan and a local Awami League leader, Selina Islam, of protecting the accused.

As per a case filed by Shahed, around 14 men on a speedboat abducted him from the Meghna river near Comilla's Boydder Bazar on July 25. Three hours later police rescued him with stab injuries from Rampur Bazar in Comilla's Meghna upazila. He is now undergoing treatment.

The academy members said Shahed was attacked for voicing and organising villagers against the "illegal" sand extraction.

They said police had arrested one of the accused, Wasim, but later released him upon the minister's request.

The minister told The Daily Star yesterday that he had called Sonargaon Police Station's officer-in-charge to know what had happened after two of Wasim's relatives sought his help. "But upon hearing his crime I asked police to take steps as per the law," he said.

Terming the allegations against him false and motivated, Subid said,"Idonotlikethesandtradingbusiness...itisofpoortaste."

The academy members yesterday also stated that the speedboat was owned by Selina and Wasim was her nephew.

Selina said, “I am an expatriate and have nothing to do with sand trading...the boy (Wasim) is from my village but not my relative. He drives my speedboat."

The academy members also demanded that the government either bears the cost of Shahed's treatment or makes the attackers pay.

Santrash Nirmul Toki Mancha Convener Rafiur Rabbi and Gono Sanghati Coordinator Zonayed Saki were present.