A Chhatra Dal activist was injured following a chase and counter‑chase involving gunfire and cocktail explosions during an anti‑drug awareness meeting in Sujanagar, Pabna, on Monday evening.
The injured, SM Aftab Ahmed, received primary treatment at Sujanagar Upazila Hospital.
The incident occurred around 6pm at Manikdi Tinmathar Mor area of Sujanagar municipality.
A written complaint, lodged with Sujanagar Police Station, names nine individuals, with Sujauddin Suja identified as the prime accused. Additionally, 10 to 15 unidentified people have been made accused.
According to the complaint, the anti‑drug meeting was organised by locals to advocate for a drug‑free Manikdi and to ensure community participation in regional development.
During the session, a group of criminals allegedly launched a planned attack using firearms and cocktails, causing widespread panic in the area.
Local sources suggest the violence stems from a week‑old dispute following the conviction of Shafiul Alam Babu, senior joint convener of Sujanagar Upazila Jubo Dal and former general secretary of the Upazila Chhatra Dal.
Babu was recently detained by police on suspicion of drug use and underwent a dope test, which confirmed the presence of prohibited substances. Consequently, a court sentenced him to one month imprisonment and a fine of Tk1,000, with an additional seven days of jail time if the fine remains unpaid.
This legal action led to a rift between Babu’s followers and a local anti‑drug faction. During Monday’s clash, both sides traded blame.
The anti‑drug group claimed Babu’s supporters targeted them with gunfire and cocktails, while Babu’s followers denied the allegations, asserting that the anti‑drug faction attacked their homes and carried out vandalism.
Victim Aftab said local drug dealers had been issuing threats since Babu’s detention. “We were suddenly attacked while I was delivering a speech at the meeting,” he said, demanding a fair investigation.
Lalbur Rahman, inspector (investigation) of Sujanagar Police Station, confirmed that police visited the spot immediately after receiving the news. “A written complaint has been filed. We will investigate the matter and take the necessary legal actions,” he added.
