A local Awami League leader allegedly led an attack and vandalism at a BNP office in Patikabari of Kushtia’s Sadar upazila while chanting “Joy Bangla”.
It was also alleged that five to six BNP leaders and activists who were inside the office were assaulted during the incident.
Following the attack, allegations emerged that the Awami League leader named Ruhul’s house was vandalised in a retaliatory attack and his jute warehouse was set on fire.
The incidents took place at around 8pm on Tuesday in Nalkola village under Patikabari Union of the Sadar upazila.
According to police, local and eyewitness sources, a group of 50 to 60 people led by Patikabari Union Awami League Vice-President Ruhul allegedly attacked the Ward No 1 BNP office in Nalkola village after evening while chanting “Joy Bangla” slogans.
The attackers vandalised portraits of late president Ziaur Rahman, former prime minister Khaleda Zia and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman kept inside the office. Five to six BNP leaders and activists were injured after being assaulted during the attack.
BNP leaders and activists claimed that a sabotage case had been filed at Islamic University (IU) Police Station a few days earlier over a procession. Awami League leader Ruhul and several others were named as accused in the case. They alleged that Ruhul led the attack on the BNP office after securing bail from court on Tuesday and returning to the area.
Meanwhile, tension spread through the area after news of the attack on the BNP office became known. BNP leaders, activists and supporters later reportedly attacked and vandalised Ruhul’s house. Allegations were subsequently made that his jute warehouse was set on fire.
Local sources said clashes also broke out between the two sides at around the same time and several houses were vandalised.
After receiving information, police from IU Police Station went to the scene and brought the situation under control. Additional police personnel were later deployed in the area.
Patikabari Union BNP President Selim said, “I am away and do not know much about the incident.”
Kushtia District BNP Member Secretary Engineer Zakir Hossain Sarkar said, “Legal action will be taken over the attack and vandalism. No one will be spared.”
Kushtia Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Ops) Md Faisal Mahmud said police were present at the scene and the situation in the area was currently under control.
Further legal action would be taken following an investigation, he added.
