Dispute Over Indian Cattle Sparks Clashes Between BNP and Jamaat Activists in Kurigram

❐ District Correspondent

A clash broke out between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and activists over an Indian cattle auction organized by customs in Roumari, Kurigram.

The incident took place at the Upazila Parishad premises on Tuesday, July 28, at noon. Later, with the intervention of local leaders of both parties, the situation was brought under control and the auction process was completed. As of today, July 29, Wednesday, no party has filed a written complaint with the police station in this incident, the police said.

According to eyewitnesses and local sources, BNP and Jamaat leaders and activists were present when 10 Indian cows were being auctioned under the supervision of the local customs office.

It is alleged that discussions began between the two parties regarding participation in the auction and potential profit sharing. At one stage, a disagreement arose over the profit share, which led to tension. The Jamaat party demanded a 50 percent share, while the BNP party offered 30 percent. The situation became more heated as there was no agreement on this.

According to local sources, when former Chhatra Shibir leader Mahabub Alam tried to record the incident of the breakdown of the agreement on his mobile phone, some BNP leaders and activists stopped him.

The incident led to a scuffle and scuffle between the two sides. Later, upazila-level leaders arrived at the scene and calmed the situation.

After the situation normalized, the auction process was completed. In the auction, Jubo Dal activist and former student leader Israfil purchased 10 Indian cows for 587,500 taka as the highest bidder.

Upazila Jamaat General Secretary Shahadat Hossain claimed that auctions have been conducted on a limited scale for a long time, resulting in the state being deprived of revenue.

They demanded that cows be sold through open and transparent auctions to increase the government’s revenue. He alleged that after making this demand, BNP leaders and activists got angry and attacked them.

However, he said that the matter has been informed to local BNP leaders and efforts are being made to resolve it through discussions.

He also said that talks have been held with the administration to ensure that future auction activities are carried out with adequate security, and the administration has been assured of taking necessary measures.

Upazila BNP member secretary Mostafizur Rahman Ranju said, “This unwanted incident happened over the auction of a few cows. BNP does not support such incidents.”

The Jamaat Upazila Amir has contacted him regarding the matter and initiatives have been taken to resolve the problem through discussions.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Roumari Police Station Kawsar Ali said the situation did not turn into a major clash as the police were present at the scene. He said that no written complaint had been received from any party in the incident till Wednesday afternoon.