Tensions have reached a breaking point in the Bogura-4 constituency following a horrific late-night attack in Nandigram upazila, where a local BNP leader’s eye was reportedly gouged out during a violent clash involving alleged Jamaat-e-Islami and Shibir activists.
The incident occurred Monday midnight in the Parshun area of Thalta-Majhgram Union. The victims, identified as Union BNP President Masud Rana Majid and his brother Rabiul Islam, are currently in critical condition.
A Gruesome Assault
According to family members and local BNP leaders, the attack was marked by extreme cruelty. Masud Rana Majid’s son, Siam Akand, stated that his father was targeted with the intent to kill.
“My father’s right eye was gouged out of its socket during the assault,” Siam said. “Doctors have informed us that the possibility of restoring his vision is slim.”
In addition to the eye injury, Masud Rana’s brother, Rabiul Islam, suffered broken limbs and received 17 stitches to his head. The attackers also reportedly went on a rampage, looting and vandalizing several nearby houses.
Allegations of Police Inaction
At a press conference held Tuesday at the Bogura Press Club, the BNP candidate for Bogura-4 and District BNP Acting General Secretary, Mosharraf Hossain, condemned the violence. He leveled serious allegations against the local law enforcement, claiming police were present at the scene but remained “inactive” while the brutality unfolded.
“How could such a heinous crime happen right in front of the police?” Mosharraf Hossain questioned. “If this continues, how can they prevent thuggery on election day?” District BNP President Rezaul Karim Badsha was also present, demanding the immediate arrest of those involved.
Conflicting Narratives
The violence reportedly sparked after locals detained several individuals, including a volunteer league leader and Jamaat-Shibir activists, for allegedly distributing money to voters. Siam Akand claimed that Jamaat candidate Mustafa Faisal Parvez ordered the attack to snatch the detainees back.
However, Mustafa Faisal Parvez has vehemently denied these claims, labeling them as baseless. He countered that BNP supporters had instead kidnapped and tortured Jamaat activists, including an individual named Galib, who is also hospitalized.
Current Situation
Nandigram Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mizanur Rahman confirmed he visited the site and stated that the situation is currently under control.
Bogura Additional Superintendent of Police and Media Spokesperson Md. Atowar Rahman noted that as of Tuesday morning, neither party had filed a formal case. He assured that legal action would be taken once a formal complaint is lodged.
