The victim of an anti-Muslim hate crime in Parkchester spoke out against his attackers this week.
According to a NYPD spokesman and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, Bengali Mujibur Rahman, a 43-year old, was the victim of an anti-Muslim assault on Friday, January 15 at 5:25 p.m. after picking up his nine-year-old niece from P.S. 119’s after school program.
Dressed in traditional Muslim garb, Rahman and his niece were walking in front of 1075 Pugsley Avenue when he was ambushed from behind by two teens.
One of the suspects punched Rahman in the back of the head knocking him to the ground before they punched him in his face.
The teens reportedly shouted ‘ISIS’ while pummelling Rahman as his niece watched in horror.
As quickly as it happened, the teens fled the scene leaving behind a battered Rahman with a black eye, bruising to his face and a bruised rib.
With blood pouring from his nose and mouth Rahman passed out, Sepulveda said.
Luckily for Rahman, a few good Samaritans called police and stayed with him and his niece until help arrived.
Rahman, who has lived in Parkchester for 10 years, was rushed to Jacobi Medical Center where he was hospitalized overnight and released the next morning.
The NYPD spokesman stated the investigation into last Friday’s assault is still ongoing and no arrests have been made at this time.
The suspects in the assault are described as African American male teens wearing ski masks and dark colored clothing.
A Tuesday, January 19 rally held at the attack site condemned the attack and acknowledged the NYPD’s quick response.
Braving the bitter cold, Rahman joined Assemblyman Sepulveda; Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr.; 43rd Precinct commanding officer Inspector Fausto Pichardo, Community Board 9 member Mohammed Mujumder and community and religious leaders to condemn the assault.
The Bangladesh-born Parkchester resident, described as “a humbling, unassuming family man,” discussed last week’s hate crime, the status of his injuries, his desire for the suspects to be caught and the status of his niece during the rally.
Rahman’s niece was unharmed by the assailants, but was left emotionally traumatized from witnessing the vicious assault, Sepulveda confirmed.
“This rally sends a message that under no circumstances will we ever allow religious intolerance to take hold of this community,” said the assemblyman. “We stand united as residents of this community because people of all faiths should feel safe to live here and practice their beliefs without fear.”
In light of recent events, 43rd Precinct police have increased security around P.S. 119 as the NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force continues its investigation.
The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating and identifying Rahman’s assailants who were captured by surveillance footage provided to the Bronx Times.
A reward of $2,500 has been offered for any information leading to an arrest. Sepulveda said the reward is expected to increase.
Anyone with information regarding last Friday’s assault is asked to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls are kept strictly confidential.
