Pabna, Mar 04 (V7N) - BNP leaders have been accused of brutally assaulting four leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami, including the Nayeb-e-Ameer of Sujanagar Upazila, in front of Sujanagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mir Rasheduzzaman in Pabna.

The incident occurred at 3:30 PM on Monday (March 3) when BNP leaders, enraged over the halt of illegal sand mining, allegedly attempted to assault the UNO. Jamaat leaders and local journalists intervened, preventing further escalation. Police later arrived and controlled the situation.

The injured Jamaat leaders are Upazila Nayeb-e-Ameer Faruk-e-Azam, Secretary Tutul Biswas, former Workers' Welfare Federation President Waliullah Biswas, and former Councilor Mostaq Ahmed.

Eyewitnesses reported that the four Jamaat leaders were waiting in the UNO's office for official work when former Upazila BNP Youth and Sports Secretary Mujibur Rahman and his associates arrived to protest the halt of sand mining. Seeing the Jamaat leaders already inside, the BNP leaders grew agitated, left the room, and returned with reinforcements.

Soon, 30-40 BNP cadres, led by Mujibur Rahman, Babu Kha, Manik Kha, Abdul Bashed, and Arif Sheikh, stormed the UNO's room and physically attacked the Jamaat leaders with punches and kicks. The victims were later rescued and taken to Sujanagar Upazila Health Complex for treatment.

News of the attack sparked outrage in Sujanagar. Hundreds of Jamaat activists, led by Upazila Ameer KM Hesab Uddin, gathered at the UNO's office in protest.

BNP and Jamaat leaders engaged in discussions with the UNO until 5:30 PM, ultimately agreeing to pursue legal action against the attackers.

Former Sujanagar Upazila BNP president Azam Biswas, Member Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rouf, and Jubo Dal Convener Siddiqur Rahman distanced themselves from the attackers, stating,
"These criminals are not from our party. We support legal action against those involved and will discuss organizational measures."

On the other hand, Jamaat Ameer Professor KM Hesab Uddin accused the BNP cadres of attempting to intimidate the UNO over sand mining and then turning their anger toward Jamaat leaders.
"Our activists are not even safe inside a government office. These BNP leaders have been engaging in extortion, illegal sand mining, drug dealing, and violence without facing consequences. If no action is taken, we will announce a larger protest."

Attempts to contact key accused Mujibur Rahman and Manik Khan were unsuccessful as their phones were switched off.

Sujanagar Police OC Mojibur Rahman stated,
"This is a serious incident. No formal case has been filed yet, but legal action will be taken once the victims come forward."

Confirming the attack, UNO Mir Rasheduzzaman said,
"The assault inside my office and obstruction of government duties are unacceptable. Legal action will follow after consulting higher authorities."

END/SRP/RH/