Unprovoked Attack on BNP Rally in Daganbhuiyan, 15 Injured

An unprovoked attack on a victory rally organized by the Daganbhuiyan Upazila unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Feni has left at least 15 people injured, according to allegations.

The incident occurred on Tuesday morning at Zero Point in the municipal town during a rally organized to mark the Mass Uprising Day. According to Akbor Hossain, the convener of Daganbhuiyan Upazila BNP, the rally was part of a centrally announced program by the BNP. The peaceful procession started from Chowmuhani Road and reached Zero Point when a group of miscreants, allegedly led by an expelled BNP member and including some Awami League-affiliated individuals, launched an unprovoked attack. The assailants reportedly snatched mobile phones and physically assaulted BNP activists.

Hossain further alleged that the attackers included Kazi Saifur Rahman Swapan, former general secretary of the municipal BNP, Abul Hashem Bahadur, and an expelled member of the Chhatra Dal (BNP’s student wing). He stated that to avoid further chaos, the BNP activists did not retaliate. However, as the rally proceeded through various roads of the town, the attackers threw bricks and stones from behind, injuring 15 activists, including Jahan Ara Begum, president of the Upazila Women’s Dal, Saimun Haque Rajib, convener of Chhatra Dal, Touhidul Islam Manik, member secretary, Engineer Sohel, and Sarwar. Hossain mentioned that preparations are underway to file a case regarding the incident. He described the attack as part of a conspiracy to tarnish the image of the BNP among the public, accusing the attackers of acting on an Awami League agenda. “We will not let this conspiracy succeed. We are maintaining restraint and will continue to do so to avoid any chaotic incidents,” he added. In response, Kazi Saifur Rahman Swapan denied the allegations, claiming that his group was conducting a blood donation program at Zero Point when some BNP activists made derogatory remarks, leading to a verbal altercation. He alleged that five to six of his activists, including Belal, Sifat, and Milan, were injured in an attack by the BNP group. Dr. ASM Sohrab Al Sohain Tanvir, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, confirmed that 12 people sought treatment at the health complex following the clash. Eleven received primary treatment and were discharged, while one was referred to Feni General Hospital.

Mohammad Wahid Parvez, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Daganbhuiyan Police Station, said that police intervened promptly to defuse the tense situation caused by the clash during the BNP rally. An investigation is underway to ascertain the details of the incident.