A legal dispute has arisen following a clash at the Shaheed Minar in Sarail Upazila, Brahmanbaria, involving supporters of MP Barrister Rumin Farhana and local BNP activists.
On Sunday afternoon, Md. Ahad, an activist of MP Rumin Farhana, filed a case alleging that his ability to lay flowers at the Shaheed Minar and subsequent actions were obstructed and that he was assaulted. Hours later, a counter-case was filed against Rumin Farhana’s supporters by a staff member of BNP leader Anwar Hossain at Sarail Police Station. The Officer-in-Charge, Manzur Qader Bhuiya, confirmed the filing of the cases.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to the case filed by Tamim Mia, a resident of South Kuttapara, Sarail, on the early morning of February 21, a group of 100–150 people, including 17 named individuals, verbally abused and attacked his business, Farzana Anwar Diagnostic Centre, and his residence. While protesting the vandalism, Tamim claims he was beaten, and cash was taken from him.
The case further alleges that supporters of Rumin Farhana became agitated over slogans being raised at the Shaheed Minar, which triggered the confrontation.
Legal Proceedings
In the case filed by Ahad Mia on Sunday, Anwar Hossain, former General Secretary of BNP in Sarail Upazila and member of Brahmanbaria district BNP, was named as the principal accused. The case also names four others, with 150 unknown individuals listed as co-accused. Social media reports indicate that Anwar Hossain secured bail on Monday.
Political Tensions
The incident marked the first time that MP Rumin Farhana, elected from Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail-Ashuganj and two unions of Bijoynagar), faced harassment while attending a government-organised event in her constituency since her election. During the clash on the night of February 20, her supporter Ahad Mia was injured, forcing Farhana to return without paying respects at the Shaheed Minar.
Supporters of Farhana subsequently blocked roads and held protests over the next two days. Conversely, a march was also organized in support of Anwar Hossain on Sunday, reflecting the growing political tension in the area.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as legal proceedings continue.
