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Faridpur, May 31, 2025: Baishakhi Islam Barsha, an 18-year-old student of Government Rajendra College and a prominent leader of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, was brutally assaulted on a public road in Nagarkanda, Faridpur.
The incident, which occurred on Friday (May 30) afternoon in the Bhabukdia area, sparked widespread outrage after a video of the attack went viral on social media, prompting protests by students.
According to Barsha’s family, the assailants, identified as local individuals including Seken Gazi and Sohag Gazi, allegedly dragged Barsha by her hair and physically assaulted her. The attackers are reportedly linked to a group previously associated with Faridpur district Awami League leader Advocate Jamal Mia but are now accused of engaging in terrorist activities under the guise of BNP affiliations.
The assault took place after Barsha lodged a General Diary (GD) at the local police station against individuals accused of harassing her younger sister. On her way home, she was ambushed by the group. Barsha later detailed the incident in a Facebook Live session, appealing for assistance from the authorities.
Upon receiving news of the attack, Nagarkanda police swiftly responded, arresting five suspects. However, during the operation, a group led by Seken Gazi allegedly attacked the police, seriously injuring Constable-Driver Hannu Sharif, who was immediately admitted to a local hospital.
In response to the incident, students and activists of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement blocked roads in Bhabukdia Bazar starting at 7:30 PM on Friday, causing over fifty vehicles to be stranded and escalating tensions in the area. To control the situation, a significant deployment of police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and army personnel was mobilized, with law enforcement on high alert.
Kazi Riaz, convener of the Faridpur district Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, condemned the attack, calling it an attempt to silence a courageous female leader. “This assault is an attack on women, students, and democratic values. Those responsible have long been terrorizing the area under political cover. We demand exemplary justice, or the student community will not remain silent,” he stated.
Nagarkanda Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Safar Ali confirmed that an investigation is underway, and necessary legal actions are being taken against the detained suspects. Efforts are ongoing to restore calm in the area.
AI/MR
