Ishwardi, Oct 10 (V7N) – Local residents of Sarda Union in Ishwardi Upazila, along the Padma River char areas bordering Kushtia and Lalpur, organized a human chain on Thursday demanding the removal of armed training camps allegedly run by Awami League-affiliated militants, security for riverbank communities, and the dismissal of the Upazila Executive Officer (UNO).
The protest, held at Sarda Ghat Canalpara No. 5 under the banner of “General Public and Businesspersons of Padma Riverbank,” saw the participation of nearly 2,000 villagers who submitted a signed petition to the Pabna Deputy Commissioner, highlighting their concerns for personal safety.
Speakers at the event, including local businessmen Robiul Islam Raju and Farhad Hossain, residents Binod Mondal and Apurbo Kumar, along with family members of gunshot victims such as Rizia Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Rina Begum, and Mursida Begum, described repeated armed attacks on villagers. They stated that militants have turned the river’s chars into training grounds, frequently using boats and speedboats to attack riverbank communities. On October 6, a farmer and a student were injured in one such gunfire incident, and houses along the riverbank were damaged.
Protesters alleged that Awami League-affiliated militants, including the so-called “Engineer Kakon” group, openly conduct armed drills in these areas, creating widespread fear. They criticized the local administration for inaction and demanded the removal of UNO Md. Moniruzzaman and immediate legal action against the perpetrators.
In response, UNO Md. Moniruzzaman stated, “I have recently joined Ishwardi. We are aware of an armed group operating along the Padma River, causing periodic clashes over sand extraction. Joint operations have previously recovered weapons, and we are continuously monitoring the area. Two villagers recently injured have received medical care, and relevant authorities, including river police, have been informed. We are ready to take all necessary legal measures.” He added that the human chain’s allegations are “baseless and politically motivated,” noting that previous joint operations had successfully stopped illegal sand collection and toll activities.
Shafiqul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Ishwardi Laxmikunda River Police, confirmed that patrols are ongoing and the area is under constant surveillance.
According to affected residents, since May 26, at least 10–12 villagers have been shot while crossing or working along the Padma River char areas, highlighting a pattern of violence and intimidation by the armed groups.
END/MSR/SMA/
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