BNP office vandalized in Rangpur

A local businessman allegedly vandalized the Morneya Union BNP office and attacked union BNP President Mir Kashem Mithu on Wednesday.

Gangachara Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdus Sabur confirmed the matter. The businessman has been identified as Ramjan Ali alias Jiku. Following the incident, BNP leaders filed a case. Police detained a man named Maidul Islam. However, Jiku has denied the allegation of attacking the party office.

According to the BNP leaders, four persons were injured in the attack, including Mithu and Asad, general secretary of ward number 4 BNP of the union. At that time, chairs inside the party office and portraits of former president Ziaur Rahman, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman were also vandalized. Later, police arrived at the scene and sent the injured to the Gangachara Health Complex.

Mithu said, “I was sitting at the party office to settle a divorce dispute between a couple from a neighboring area.” Four other people were present with him at that time. He claimed that he also had Tk 10,00,000 related to the settlement.

He alleged that 15-20 individuals, including Jiku, arrived at the location on several motorcycles. They then beat him and the office chairs and leaders’ portraits were vandalized.

However, Jiku denied these allegations. He said he did not attack the office, but rather Mithu’s sons carried out the vandalism.

Regarding the dispute over the cigarette business, Jiku added, “The area where my cigarettes are sold is the same area where his cigarettes are sold. The conflict is basically over this.”

Upazila BNP President Chand Sarkar said they will pursue legal action.

OC Sabur added, “I have inspected the scene and spoken with witnesses. A case has been filed and one person has been detained.”