Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) allegedly attacked and beat Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader Habibur Rahman in Chatmohar upazila of Pabna on Thursday over the submission of a tender schedule for a local haat (market).
The incident took place around 1:15 pm in front of the office of the Chatmohar Upazila Parishad Executive Officer. Witnesses said police were present at the scene but failed to stop the attack.
According to the victim and eyewitnesses, Thursday was the last day for submitting tender schedules for leasing haat markets under the Upazila Parishad. The tender box was scheduled to be opened at 3 pm.
Earlier in the day, Aurangzeb, secretary of Chaikola Union Jamaat, went to the upazila office to submit a tender for a haat in his area. After he dropped the schedule into the tender box, BNP leaders and activists present nearby reportedly attacked him. Police and Ansar members initially tried to calm the situation.
Later, Habibur Rahman, secretary of Chatmohar upazila Jamaat, was leaving the Upazila Executive Officer’s office after completing personal work. At that time, BNP leaders and activists allegedly attacked him, questioning why a Jamaat leader was present. Witnesses said police and Ansar members blew whistles but could not prevent the assault.
Habibur Rahman managed to flee the Upazila Parishad premises after being chased by the attackers.
Speaking to reporters, Habibur Rahman said he had visited the Upazila Executive Officer regarding a local issue and had no involvement with the tender submitted by the Chaikola Union Jamaat secretary. “As soon as I came out of the office, BNP leaders and activists attacked me,” he said.
He added that he had informed the local MP and Jamaat leaders and would decide on legal action after consultation.
The victim alleged that those involved included former Mulgram Union BNP president Likhon Biswas, Swechchhasebak Dal leader Bablu Mistry, BNP leaders Shahin Alam, Sohail Rana, Jaber Molla, Zia Munshi and Rintu, as well as leaders from Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal, along with more than a hundred activists.
Likhon Biswas denied the allegations, saying he was not involved in the attack and that false accusations were being made.
Chatmohar Upazila Executive Officer Musa Naser Chowdhury confirmed that an incident had occurred and described it as a criminal offence. He said police were deployed to maintain order during the tender process and advised contacting the police station for further details.
When asked about the incident, Chatmohar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Golam Sarwar Hossain declined to comment.
Comment
