BNP activists attack land office for forming human chain against sweeper Tarek

Local Correspondent

BNP leaders and activists entered the land office in Pabna’s Santhia Upazila and beat up participants of a human chain. A young man named Sohel Rana was seriously injured in the attack and is currently undergoing treatment at the Santhia Upazila Health Complex.

The incident took place on Monday afternoon, September 22nd, at the Santhia Upazila Land Office premises.

According to local sources, locals organized a human chain against Tarek, a sweeper at the Nagdemra Union Land Office, alleging bribery and irregularities. It is alleged that Tarek used to collect extra money for land-related work illegally.

Before the hearing of the complaint that day, the locals started a human chain in front of the Upazila Land Office. However, within a short time, a group of activists led by the accused Tarek, Nagdemra Union BNP convener Nuruzzaman and member secretary Fakrul Islam attacked the human chain.

During the attack, Sohel Rana sought safety inside the Upazila Land Office. But the attackers did not spare him there either. They entered the office, beat him up, and held him hostage for some time.

Injured Sohel Rana said, “I participated in a peaceful human chain demanding justice for a corrupt employee. But we were attacked under the leadership of Tareq and BNP leaders. I was not safe even after taking shelter inside the land office. Everything will be clear in the CCTV footage. I am demanding justice.”

After the incident, the police reached the spot, rescued the injured Sohel Rana and sent him to the hospital. Despite several attempts to contact the accused to find out about the incident, their statement could not be obtained.

Anisur Rahman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Santhia Police Station, said that a force was sent after receiving information about the incident. However, we have not received a written complaint yet. If we receive a complaint, we will investigate and take legal action.

Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mocha. Sadia Sultana said, the hearing was supposed to be held today. But before that, chaos broke out between both the parties. I was inside the office at that time. I cannot say for sure who hit whom. However, some computers in the office were vandalized. I have informed my superiors. Further steps will be taken as soon as I get instructions.