A Bangladeshi businessman who was killed by miscreants in Canada died on Friday (August 25) at a hospital in the country.

Owner of the Curry House in downtown Owen Sound Sharif Rahman (44), who had been on life support following a serious assault outside of his business last Thursday, has died, according to family and friends.

“With a heavy heart, we want to update that our brother Sharif has passed away. Your generosity and support will never be forgotten and will truly help his family transition through this difficult time. We should always remember how loving and peaceful Sharif was, and use that as an inspiration in our own lives to strive to be kind towards those we meet in life,” Mark Barbosa, a local real estate agent and friend of Sharif Rahman, posted in an update to a Go Fund Me campaign that has raised more than $130,000 for Rahman’s family.

Barbosa said Rahman’s brother shared the news of Rahman’s death Thursday night.

A man who said he was a nephew of Rahman’s told the Sun Times Friday morning that his uncle had died.

Flags will fly at half mast at Owen Sound facilities until noon on Monday, according to a city news release.

“On behalf of my council colleagues and city staff, I offer my sincere condolences to Sharif’s wife Shayela, his children, to the Rahmans’ extended family members and friends, and to our entire community,” Mayor Ian Boddy said in the release. “Sharif was an exceptional member of our community, who dedicated his time to city and county committees, as well as a successful entrepreneur, and a devoted family man. His passing is a tragic loss for our community and it is a time to come together with compassion and support. Let us all reflect on Sharif’s kindness and his love of the community by treating everyone with the same generosity he embodied.”

Rahman had been on life support at a London hospital since suffering head injuries after an assault outside his restaurant near the corner of 2nd Avenue East and 10th Street East last Thursday in Owen Sound, according to his brother Anis.

Police said three men had attended the restaurant and became involved in a dispute shortly after 9:15 p.m. on Aug. 17. The assault occurred on the sidewalk area near the business, they said.

Anis said his brother had had surgery, but he remained unresponsive.

Since the assault, there has been an outpouring of support for the 44-year-old man originally from Bangladesh. Rahman studied economics before obtaining a masters degree in international development at the University of Glasgow. He purchased The Curry House in Owen Sound in 2015.

There is a large memorial of flowers gracing the front steps of Rahman’s restaurant. Hundreds of people walked through downtown Owen Sound on Wednesday night in a show of solidarity and support.

Another event, called Drumming for Sharif, is planned on Friday, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the farmers’ market.

On Thursday, Owen Sound police issued photos of two of three Caucasian men believed to be involved in an Aug. 17 incident.

Police also announced that the vehicle involved is similar to a gray or blue 2000s model Ford Escape or Mazda Tribute.

The first male police released a photo of is described as being Caucasian, five feet, 10 inches to six feet, two inches tall, with a medium build and short dark hair, while wearing a blue T-shirt, black shorts and black running shoes.

The second male they provided a photo of Thursday is described as Caucasian, 5’10” to 6’2” tall, medium build with short brown hair that was longer on top, and wearing an orange T-shirt, black shorts and black running shoes.

Both males are believed to be in their mid-20s to mid-30s in age.

Police have also provided a description of a third male, described as Caucasian with curly hair, wearing shorts and a T-shirt and being in his late 40s to mid-50s.

Owen Sound police continue to investigate the assault and anyone who may have more information or video recordings are asked to contact Owen Sound police.

Source: The Sun Times

BDST: 1530 HRS, AUG 26, 2023
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