Two leaders of Islami Chhatra Shibir were allegedly attacked by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal activists in Rajarhat of Kurigram on Sunday afternoon, with claims that police present at the scene did not intervene.
One of the injured, Rajarhat Upazila West Thana unit Shibir President Sujan Mia, was hospitalised with a head injury following the incident, according to local sources.
The attack took place around midday in front of Rajarhat School and College.
The other injured is Rajarhat Upazila unit former Office Secretary and District School Department Baitul Mal Secretary Samid Saki Mahin.
He said trouble began after reports that Rajarhat Upazila Shramik Kalyan Federation Finance Secretary Rubel Mia was being besieged at his workplace over Facebook posts and wall writings.
“As we reached the college on a motorcycle, a group led by Upazila Chhatra Dal Convener Rubel Patwari, armed with local weapons, intercepted us,” he said.
“They dragged Sujan Mia off the vehicle and beat him. When I tried to rescue him, I was also assaulted and my clothes were torn,” he added.
He further alleged that four police officers were present but did not act despite repeated requests for help.
“I went to them for assistance to save him, but they did not take a single step forward,” he said.
The accused include Upazila Chhatra Dal Convener Rubel Patwari, Member Secretary Mizanur Rahman Saddam, Government Mir Ismail Hossain College unit President Sohag and Secretary Nasim, and leader Al Mizan Mahin, among others.
Rubel Patwari admitted that the beating took place but said it was provoked.
He alleged that Rubel Mia used multiple Facebook pages to spread propaganda against the government, national leaders and Chhatra Dal.
“When our activists went to speak with him, Sujan and Mahin came and used abusive language. Our activists became agitated and beat them,” he said. He also claimed he tried to intervene but was hit during the altercation.
However, Rubel Mia denied the allegations, calling them baseless.
“I only operate three IDs, one personal and two for local Jamaat-e-Islami and Shramik Kalyan Federation. I do not post anything provocative. I raise national issues like the demand for a referendum and the fuel and electricity crisis,” he said.
Rajarhat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mamunur Rashid confirmed the incident, saying it stemmed from disputes over social media comments.
“Police went to the spot after receiving the information but found neither group present. The situation is now normal,” he said, adding that no written complaint had been filed.
However, locals said a chase and counter-chase between the two groups continued until around 5:45 pm on Sunday.
