BNP leader attacks for 'not receiving donation of Tk 5 lakh'

A local BNP leader has been accused of leading an armed attack at Balur Point in Mithapukur Upazila after failing to extort five lakh taka in ransom. Several individuals were injured during the incident, which has sparked outrage in the local community.

The victim, Moniruzzaman Sarkar, filed a formal complaint with the Mithapukur Police Station, claiming that BNP joint convener Hazrat Ali led the attack following a dispute over sand extraction from his property. However, Hazrat Ali denies the allegations, asserting that he was the one who was attacked.

According to Moniruzzaman’s complaint, the trouble began a year ago when sand was extracted from his pond in Mominpur, Ranipukur union. Recently, when the sand started being sold, Hazrat Ali allegedly demanded a bribe of five lakh taka. Upon refusal, Hazrat Ali reportedly exploited an ongoing land dispute between Moniruzzaman and his nephew Mamunur Rashid to escalate tensions.

The attack occurred around 11:30 am on Wednesday. Moniruzzaman alleges that Hazrat Ali, accompanied by four or five unidentified individuals, stopped a sand transport tractor armed with sticks, hockey sticks, iron rods, and knives. When Moniruzzaman's family members arrived at the scene, Moshiar Rahman, Malekuzzaman, and Golap Mia were seriously injured in the confrontation. The injured were taken to Mithapukur Upazila Health Complex by locals.

Malekuzzaman, one of the injured, stated, “Hazrat Ali threatened us with a settlement or promised to use his party influence to involve the upazila administration in filing charges against us for the sand extraction. The administration had not acted on this matter for over a year, but now he’s using it to intimidate us. We want a fair trial.”

Moniruzzaman echoed this demand, alleging that Hazrat Ali, along with his supporters, attacked their property, blocked the tractor, and vandalized their house. He added, “Now Hazrat Ali is preventing us from filing a case using his political influence. We want justice from the government.”

In his defense, Hazrat Ali refuted the allegations, claiming, “They are illegally transporting sand from disputed land belonging to my sister. When we tried to address the matter peacefully, they attacked us and vandalized my sister’s house. I did not demand any ransom; they are defaming me.”

Mithapukur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abu Bakkar Siddique confirmed that the incident stemmed from a prior land dispute. “Police were dispatched to the scene immediately after the report of the altercation. An investigation is underway, and necessary action will be taken after discussions with both parties,” he said.

The situation remains tense as both sides await further police action. Local residents have called for a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure justice is served.