Bagerhat, Apr 27 (V7N) - Residents of Morelganj, Bagerhat, have staged protests and formed human chains to condemn an alleged Awami League terrorist attack on BNP leaders and activists in Chingrakhali Union. Local BNP leaders and activists held a protest and human chain at Narikel Bariya Bazar on Saturday morning, demanding justice for the victims of the incident.

Speakers at the human chain alleged that on April 8th, around 7:30 PM, a group of 6-7 individuals, led by local Awami League-supported activist Mintu Hawlader, carried out a pre-planned attack on Saiful Didar (28), a Youth Dal leader. Didar was reportedly hacked and severely injured while returning home. When local BNP activists Sarwar Sikder, Mahid Sikder, Maruf Sikder, Dulal Sikder, and others attempted to intervene, they were also allegedly attacked and injured. The assailants then allegedly vandalized three shops in the Narikel Bariya market and stole two electric meters along with other goods.

The injured were initially admitted to hospitals in Morelganj, Pirojpur, and Bagerhat Sadar. Due to the severity of his injuries, Saiful Didar was later transferred to Khulna Medical College Hospital and is currently in critical condition in the ICU at Khulna City Hospital.

Hanif Dihidar, Saiful Didar's cousin, filed a case against 19 individuals at Morelganj Police Station on April 10th, naming Mintu Howlader as the primary accused.

Since the incident on April 8th, traders in Narikel Bariya market have reportedly kept their shops closed out of fear. Though some shops have reopened, most remain closed, and there is widespread anger among local BNP leaders and activists.

Union BNP President Abdus Sobahan Howlader, General Secretary Mamun Khan, BNP leader Kabir Sikder, UP member Monir Sikder, Mohila Dal President Chameli Akhter, and other local residents addressed the human chain, demanding the arrest and trial of the accused.

Morelganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Rajib Al Rashid stated that a meeting has been held to address law and order in Chingrakhali and that the situation is currently calm. He confirmed that two accused have been arrested, six are out on bail, and that efforts to apprehend the remaining accused are ongoing.

END/MPS/RH/