Isis video-threat: One of the jihadists is a famous talent show singer

The man is called Tahamid Rahman Shafi and is the son of a former Commissioner of the Electoral College. He studied at prestigious schools and had gained fame thanks to his "melodies that won hearts". Parents and friends cannot understand his decision to join the Caliphate. "He dreamed of a future as a professional singer."


 

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - The Bangladeshi authorities have identified the three Islamic militants who appear in the video in which jihadists praise the terrorist attack last week in Dhaka and threaten future attacks. One of them is Tahamid Rahman Shafi, a famous singer who won a local TV talent show. A friend, anonymous for security reasons, told AsiaNews  of their shock and dismay over the young man’s decision to join the Islamic State, and says: "Tahamid dreamed of continuing his singing studies. He wanted to become a great professional".

The man appears in the video released by  IS militants a few days ago. He is the one who utters the phrase that has made headlines: "'The jihad in Bangladesh, the one you are witnessing now, is nothing like anything you have seen before. What you witnessed in Bangladesh yesterday was just a glimpse, this will repeat, repeat and repeat until you lose and we win".

Tahamid was identified by the relatives, who reported that they have had no news of him for several years. His father is Shafiur Rahman, a former electoral commissioner. Just like the five bombers of the Holey Artisan Bakery Cafe, he does not come from a poor family, and he had a bright future of success before him.

In 2006 he participated in the first edition of the reality show CloseUp1, a television program that seeks out new amateur talent in music. He was among the 15 best singers, thanks to the televote. Later he gained notoriety thanks to his "melodies that won hearts."

Relatives and friends have expressed their disbelief at his actions, apparently unmotivated by economic or relationship problems. Moreover, the Islamic extremist studied in Notre Dame Catholic high school in the capital, and has taken the course of financial administration at Brac University, a prestigious private institution.

Authorities have identified the other two men who appear in the video. They are Tushar, ex-husband of the famous model and actress Naila Nayem, and Tawsif Hossian, a former student of the Institute of Business Administration of Dhaka University.

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• threat Isis Islamic
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• Dhaka