Former lawmaker AK Azad faced an attack during a public rally in Faridpur district on Sunday, when local Jubo Dal activists protested and allegedly vandalised two vehicles in his motorcade.
The incident occurred around 4:30pm at Pormanandpur Bazar in Krishna Nagar Union in Faridpur Sadar, where Azad had gathered for a public meeting after performing afternoon prayers at a nearby mosque, reports UNB.
Eyewitnesses said a procession led by Lutfur Rahman, former joint secretary of Sadar Upazila Jubo Dal, and Nannu Molla, Krishna Nagar Union Jubo Dal president, approached the rally and began chanting slogans, calling Azad an “ally of the Awami League.” Tensions escalated as activists tried to encircle Azad’s motorcade, prompting his security team to intervene.
Police arrived at the scene and managed to disperse the crowd, allowing Azad and his motorcade to leave safely. However, protesters reportedly damaged the windows of two cars in the convoy by striking them with sugarcane sticks.
Azad, also former FBCCI president, condemned the attack, calling it unprecedented in local political history.
He said, “During the last elections, even Awami League candidate Shamim Haque did not behave this way. Such incidents will deepen political crises.” He also mentioned that he is preparing to file a case over the incident.
Nayab Yusuf, central women’s wing joint secretary of BNP and Faridpur-3 aspirant, denied involvement. He told the media that he had instructed his supporters not to engage in any violent actions and had informed local police to maintain vigilance. Yusuf added that Azad’s motorcade included Awami League leaders, which may have fueled public resentment.
Savar police and local authorities confirmed that the clash arose due to the convergence of two political groups at a market area. OC Mohammad Asaduzzaman of Faridpur Kotwali Thana stated that police handled the situation with restraint, ensuring Azad’s convoy passed without further incident.
Separately, around 7:30 PM, the district Chhatra Dal organized a torch procession from Government Rajendra College through key streets, concluding at the Faridpur Press Club. Participants chanted slogans like “Beware of Awami League agents” and “Fight against fascists together”, expressing political dissent and solidarity.
