Homes of Jamaat leader and labour leader attacked and vandalised in Panigati, Dighalia, Khulna; Mehedi Hasan in hospital

Miscreants attacked and vandalised the homes of Jamaat-e-Islami leader and UP member Azizur Rahman and Dighalia Sramik Kalyan Federation secretary Tasnim Hasan in Panigati village of Dighalia Upazila, Khulna. A man named Mehedi Hasan (46) was injured in the incident and admitted to Khulna Medical College Hospital. The attack happened in Panigati village of the upazila at around 1:30pm on Monday (October 26).

A press conference was held at Khulna Press Club at 12:30pm on Tuesday (October 27) on behalf of the affected Jamaat leaders, demanding the arrest and punishment of those involved in the incident.

Locals and the victims said that at around 1:30pm on Monday the attackers first suddenly attacked and vandalised the home of upazila Sramik Kalyan Federation secretary Tasnim Hasan in Panigati village, and then the home of Jamaat leader and local UP member Azizur Rahman in the same village.

At that time the attackers chased Azizur Rahman's elder son and local ward Jamaat president Ahsanul Haque Hero. Tasnim Hasan's elder brother Mehedi Hasan was beaten and injured. The victims said the attackers also abused and intimidated the women and children in the homes.

In a written statement at the press conference, Azizur Rahman's elder son Ahsanul Haque Hero alleged that at 1:10pm on Monday, more than a hundred armed attackers led by identified Dighalia criminal M Saifur Rahman Mintu alias Mintu Molla attacked the homes of Panigati UP member and Sadar Union chairman candidate Md Azizur Rahman and Tasnim Hasan.

According to his allegation, the attackers opened fire, vandalised and looted at that time. Youths, children and women in the homes were also assaulted. Tasnim Hasan's elder brother Mehedi Hasan was seriously injured in the beating and violence and is now under treatment at Khulna Medical College Hospital.

Stating that M Saifur Rahman Mintu alias Mintu Molla, who led the attack, is involved in BNP politics, Ahsanul Haque Hero further alleged that his father Azizur Rahman is the Jamaat-nominated UP chairman candidate and is very popular. The attack was carried out out of anger, to create fear and panic. They are preparing to file a case over the incident.

Stating that such a violent attack cannot be accepted in an independent and civilised society, the victim family expressed strong condemnation, protest and deep anger. They also strongly demanded that the main culprits behind the attack be identified immediately and brought under the law.

On the matter, Dighalia Police Station officer-in-charge Arup Chowdhury said there had been a bit of political disorder and some vandalism, and legal action would be taken if a complaint is received.