Madaripur, July 8 (V7N) – A serving member of the Bangladesh Army was brutally attacked with hammers by a group of assailants in Madaripur's Rajoir upazila after he requested a group of youths to lower loud music being played on a boat. The soldier, Prashanta Baidya (32), suffered serious injuries, including a fractured left leg.

The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon in Nayanagar village under Bajitpur Union of Rajoir upazila. Prashanta, who is currently stationed at Savar Cantonment in Dhaka, is a resident of Nayanagar village and the son of Nokul Baidya.

According to Rajoir Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Masud Khan, a team from the local army camp conducted an operation on Tuesday night and detained five individuals in connection with the assault. They were later handed over to the police.

The arrested suspects have been identified as Mrinal Bhakta (42), Ramananda Bhakta (65), Subrata Bhakta (27), Samar Bhakta (41), and Ashutosh Bhakta (65) — all residents of Chourashi village in Bajitpur Union.

Police and local sources reported that the incident stemmed from a confrontation on Saturday, July 5. Around 20–25 young men arrived at Nayanagar by engine-powered boats while playing loud music. Prashanta Baidya, disturbed by the noise, politely asked them to move further away to continue their celebration. A verbal dispute followed, but the group left without further escalation.

However, on Monday afternoon, when Prashanta was alone, a group of 10–12 men — including Bibhash Bhakta, Shanti Bhakta, Robin Bhakta, Partha Bhakta, Rakesh Bhakta, Abhijit Bhakta, Tushar Bhakta, and the aforementioned detainees — ambushed him with local weapons, including hammers. They struck him repeatedly, breaking his left leg.

Locals rushed the injured soldier to Rajoir Upazila Health Complex. Given the severity of his injuries, he was later referred to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Barishal for advanced treatment.

A case is currently being prepared, and police confirm that further investigations are underway. OC Masud Khan stated that the law will take its due course and all perpetrators will be brought to justice.

Background & Context:
Tensions between residents and unruly gatherings or youth groups are not uncommon in rural Bangladesh, especially during local festivals or celebrations. However, an attack on an active-duty soldier — particularly with this level of brutality — is rare and has raised concerns about public safety and law enforcement responsiveness.

The Bangladesh Army maintains internal disciplinary and legal coordination with civil administration to ensure the protection of its personnel, whether on duty or on leave.

Impact:
The incident has sparked outrage in the local community and among defense circles. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and further arrests may follow as investigations continue. The swift military-police joint operation reflects growing collaboration in tackling such criminal acts against uniformed personnel.

END/SMR/SMA/