Iman And Assistant Fatally shot in New York City

  An Imam was shot together with his assistant when they were leaving afternoon prayers yesterday in New York City.

Imam Maulama Akonjee, 55, and Thara Uddin, 64, were shot in the head by a man who approached them from behind in Queens shortly before2pmon Saturday, August 13, police said.Akonjee, a father-of-seven, and Uddin wereboth pronounced dead later on. The imam had moved to New York from Bangladesh two years ago and was close friends with Mr Uddin. Police said there was nothing at this stage to indicate that the men were shot because they were MuslimDeputy Inspector Henry Sautner of the New York Police Department said video surveillance showed the victims were approached from behind by a man in a dark polo shirt and shorts who shot them, then fled with the gun still in his hand.Members of the Bangladeshi Muslim community served by the mosque said they wanted the shootings to be treated asa hate crime. More than 100 people attended a rallySaturdaynight, chanting:"We want justice!"The Council on American-Islamic Relations, an advocacy group, held a newsconference near the shooting scene, where Kobir Chowdhury, a leader at another local mosque, said, "Read my lips: This is a hate crime" directed at Islam. "Weare peace-loving."The imam’s daughter, Naima Akonjee said her father did not "have any problems with anyone.Sarah Sayeed, a member of New York mayor Bill de Blasio's staff, who serves as a liaison to Muslim communities, attendedthe rally and said:"I understand the fear because I feel t myself. I understand the anger. But it's very important to mount a thorough investigation."Neighbours described Mr Uddin as a piousand thoughtful man who prayed five times a day and went to the mosque. While at home, they said he would water his gardenand one next door."A very honest, wise man ... (and) a very helpful guy," said Mohammed Uddin.