PABNA, Aug 20 (V7N) — Shariful Islam Sharif, convenor of the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Swechhasebak Dal’s Ishwardi upazila unit, was seriously injured after being attacked by unidentified assailants in Ishwardi, Pabna.
The attackers reportedly fired at his private car to force it to stop before assaulting him with sharp weapons. The incident took place at around 11:45pm on Wednesday (Aug 19) on the road in front of Joynagar Kindergarten in Ishwardi.
Sharif was initially taken to Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex by local residents. As his condition deteriorated, doctors referred him to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. He sustained serious injuries to his face and other parts of his body.
According to local residents and police sources, Sharif was driving home to Joynagar when he reached the area in front of the kindergarten. Several unidentified people reportedly fired at his car from the front. After the vehicle stopped, the assailants attacked him with sharp weapons before fleeing the scene.
Enamul Haque, general secretary of the Ishwardi Upazila Zia Cultural Organisation (JASAS), said Sharif’s condition was critical. He was taken to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital by ambulance for further treatment.
Ishwardi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Ashadur Rahman said police visited the scene after receiving information about the attack. He said the incident was being investigated and efforts were under way to identify and apprehend those involved.
Meanwhile, party sources said Sharif was known as a supporter of Habibur Rahman Habib, convenor of the Pabna district BNP. The sources said a dispute had recently emerged over the post of president of the managing committee of Maniknagar Girls’ High School in Ishwardi.
Sharif had reportedly sought the position, but another person was elected president. Following the election, Sharif allegedly posted a comment on social media questioning the process and directing criticism at Habibur Rahman Habib.
Party sources further said Sharif, along with leaders of six BNP-affiliated organisations at the upazila level, had sent a complaint to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman against Habibur Rahman Habib. The dispute between Sharif and Habib’s supporters subsequently became public, according to several party sources.
However, police have not confirmed whether the reported political dispute was connected to the attack. Investigators are working to establish the motive and identify those responsible.
The investigation is ongoing.
END/MSR/SMA/
