An accused in a case filed over an attack, vandalism, and arson at the BNP office in Bogura during the July movement has been inducted into the executive committee of the Bogura District Swecchasebak Dal.
The development has triggered resentment among party leaders and activists, alongside intense political discussion across the district.
The accused has been identified as Md Firoz Tanvir, son of Abu Khalek, residing in Atapara of Bogura city. His name was included in the full executive committee of the district Swecchasebak Dal announced on 19 February last year.
Allegations have emerged that Tanvir obtained the post in exchange for a large sum of money, though the claim could not be independently verified.
Local residents alleged that during the tenure of the now-banned Awami League government, Tanvir was known as a close associate of Jubo League and Swecchasebak League leaders. He reportedly maintained close ties with Swecchasebak League General Secretary Zulfikar Rahman Shanto as well as Subhashish Poddar Liton, former president of the Bogura District Jubo League currently residing in India.
Local sources further claimed that Tanvir held a post in a committee led by Shanto, who was previously president of the Bogura City Chhatra League.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), between 5pm and 5:30pm on 16 July 2024, around 200 to 250 leaders and activists of the Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League, led by Subhashish Poddar Liton, carried out an attack on the BNP office at Galapatti in Bogura city. Armed with local weapons, iron rods, sticks, crude bombs, and firearms, the attackers engaged in extensive vandalism and arson.
The FIR names Md Tanvir as accused No 14. Residents of Atapara confirmed that the accused Md Tanvir in the FIR and Firoz Tanvir appointed to the Swecchasebak Dal committee are the same person, sharing identical father’s names and addresses.
The FIR details that the attackers vandalised and set fire to portraits of BNP founder former president Ziaur Rahman, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, and Tarique Rahman. Attackers fired shots, hurled petrol bombs, and detonated cocktails to instill terror.
Property destroyed in the attack includes 130 plastic chairs, eight ceiling fans, a 32-inch LED television, an almirah, an IPS, and a battery, incurring an estimated loss of Tk1,94,000.
Responding to the allegations, Bogura District Swecchasebak Dal President Sarkar Mukul said that the full committee was constituted a year and a half ago and he was unaware of the matter. He assured that appropriate action would be taken following a thorough investigation.
District Swecchasebak Dal General Secretary Rakibul Islam Shuvo noted that multiple individuals in an area could share the same name. When asked if credentials had been verified prior to allocating the post, he said the issue needs to be checked, and details would be provided following consultations with the president.
Repeated mobile phone calls to Firoz Tanvir for his statement went unanswered. Conscious citizens have urged authorities to conduct a swift inquiry and take necessary steps.
