Jhalokathi, Feb 15 (V7N) — Separate incidents of alleged attacks, vandalism, and assault were reported in Kathalia and Rajapur upazilas of Jhalokathi district, targeting local offices of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, several houses, and business establishments. At least two women were injured, police said, adding that two suspects have been arrested. In a related development, a local BNP leader has been expelled from the party.

In Kathalia upazila, a case was filed on Saturday with Kathalia Police Station by Jamaat activist Zahirul Islam Dulal over an alleged attack on a Jamaat office in Patikhaliaghata union, along with four houses and two business establishments. The case names Mizanur Rahman Kalam, general secretary of the Patikhaliaghata Union unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a former union parishad member, as the prime accused, along with 18 others affiliated with BNP and its associate bodies.

According to the complaint, the attackers entered the homes of Jamaat supporters in different areas, carried out vandalism, and set fire to a room belonging to Harun-or-Rashid. Ranu Begum, 56, wife of Kamal Jomaddar, and her daughter Sabina, 20, were injured in the incident. Allegations of attacks were also made regarding the residences of Mostafa Master and Union Parishad member Md. Ripon.

The complaint further states that Dulal’s pharmacy and Abdur Rob’s tea stall at Morichbunia Bazar were vandalized. The local union Jamaat office in the same market was also reportedly damaged, with furniture looted.

Officer-in-Charge Abu Naser Raihan of Kathalia Police Station said the incident occurred on Friday afternoon and a case was filed Saturday morning. Police arrested Ward No. 4 BNP President Md. Fuad Jomaddar and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leader Jony Hawlader early Saturday and sent them to court. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining accused.

In a separate incident in the Kathipara area of Rajapur upazila, a young man named Md. Asad was allegedly beaten with a hammer and his house vandalized on Saturday around 12:30 pm. Asad, a resident of Kathipara under Suktagar union, was reportedly attacked on allegations of seeking votes in favor of Jamaat.

Family members claimed that while returning from Naikathi Bazar, Asad was surrounded by a group led by Badal Dakua, beaten with a hammer, and threatened with death. Locals later rescued him and police admitted him to Rajapur উপজেলা Health Complex for treatment. The family alleged that the attack stemmed from prior disputes linked to the recent election.

Officer-in-Charge Md. Nazrul Islam of Rajapur Police Station said the matter is under investigation and legal action will be taken upon receiving a written complaint.

Reacting to the incidents, Jamaat candidate for the Jhalokathi-1 constituency, Faizul Haque, alleged that attacks on party leaders and activists had been ongoing ahead of the election and intensified after the announcement of results. He claimed that party offices, supporters’ homes, and business establishments were targeted.

Meanwhile, newly elected Member of Parliament for Jhalokathi-1 and BNP leader Rafiq ul Islam Jamal said that after receiving allegations against the accused BNP leader, the party conducted an internal inquiry and expelled him on the directive of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. He warned that strict action would be taken against anyone misusing the party’s name for unlawful activities in the future.

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