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In a shocking incident in Hijla Upazila of Barisal, an agricultural officer was brutally attacked over a dispute regarding the distribution of government-subsidized coconut saplings. The victim, Fakhrul Islam, a Sub-Assistant Plant Protection Officer, was allegedly assaulted by former Hijla Upazila BNP joint convener Gias Uddin Dewan and his son, Riazul Islam Jisan, an organizing secretary of the Hijla Government College Chhatra Dal. Fakhrul Islam is currently receiving treatment at the Hijla Upazila Health Complex.
The incident occurred on the evening of Sunday, June 22, at the Tekar Bazar in Khunna Gobindapur, Barjalia Union. According to Fakhrul Islam, the attack stemmed from a disagreement over the distribution of coconut saplings under a government agricultural incentive program. Gias Uddin Dewan claimed that his followers were deprived of the saplings, leading to a heated argument at the market. The situation escalated when Gias Uddin, his son Jisan, and their associate Azmain Chowdhury, along with others, allegedly attacked Fakhrul with bamboo sticks, injuring his head and other parts of his body. Local residents rescued him and rushed him to the hospital.
Fakhrul Islam has filed a case at the Hijla Police Station, naming Gias Uddin Dewan, Riazul Islam Jisan, and Azmain Chowdhury as accused, along with 3-4 unidentified individuals. The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Hijla Police Station, Sheikh Aminul Islam, confirmed the case, stating, “Preliminary investigations have found evidence supporting the allegations. Efforts are underway to apprehend the accused.”
Gias Uddin Dewan, however, denied the allegations, claiming, “This is a conspiracy to frame us. I have no knowledge of who carried out the attack.” Local BNP leader Khokon Daptari attempted to mediate the issue, but the case was filed following the intervention of the Upazila Executive Officer.
The incident has sparked tension in the area, prompting the police to deploy additional forces to maintain order. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure justice is served.
AI/MR
