BNP leader attacked in Cox's Bazar, protesters block Cox's Bazar–Teknaf highway

Miscreants attacked Nurul Amin, member secretary of Palongkhali Union BNP in Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar. The incident took place at around 8pm on Sunday (8 November) in the Thaingkhali Rohingya camp area of Palongkhali union in the upazila. Nurul Amin, who was seriously injured in the attack, was first taken to Ukhiya Upazila Health Complex. As his condition became critical, he was sent to Cox's Bazar District Sadar Hospital.

When news of the attack spread, leaders and activists of the BNP and its associate organisations blocked the Cox's Bazar–Teknaf highway in protest. Tyres were set on fire to block the road at at least four places, including Palongkhali Station, Thaingkhali and Ukhiya Sadar. Traffic on the highway remained suspended until the report was written at around 10pm.

According to eyewitnesses and local BNP sources, a group of ten to twelve people led by Mohammad Alamgir, a leader of the Jubo League, the associate organisation of the banned Awami League, and a resident of the Thaingkhali area, attacked Nurul Amin. According to the allegation, they hacked him on the head with locally made weapons.

There is also an allegation that some armed Rohingya sheltered in the camp took part in the attack.

Rezaul Karim Reza, convener of Palongkhali Union BNP, said Nurul Amin's condition is critical. According to him, the attackers struck Nurul Amin on the head four to five times with sharp weapons. Doctors have said that O-negative blood is needed to save him, as he has lost a lot of blood.

Sarwar Jahan Chowdhury, president of Ukhiya Upazila BNP, said Nurul Amin is currently being treated at Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital. He alleged that leaders and activists of the banned Awami League attacked Nurul Amin. He strongly condemned the incident and demanded that those involved be brought under the law.

Confirming the incident, Atiqur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Ukhiya Police Station, said a BNP leader was seriously injured in a terrorist attack. He said police are conducting operations to arrest those involved in the incident.

The OC also said police have been deployed at the scene and surrounding areas to restore traffic on the highway and keep law and order under control.

The injured Nurul Amin is under treatment at Cox's Bazar District Sadar Hospital. Police are conducting operations to arrest those involved, and police have been deployed at the blockade points on the highway.