BNP Leader Accused of Assaulting Schoolboy in Sirajganj

Local Correspondent

Police have filed a case against Fakir Md. Jewel Rana, the organizational secretary of BNP’s Chowhali upazila unit in Sirajganj, for allegedly assaulting a schoolboy. The boy’s father lodged the complaint on Monday evening, Chowhali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ziaur Rahman confirmed.

The victim is currently in police custody, and a medical examination is scheduled for Tuesday, according to the OC.

The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday night in the Char Solimabad Bazar area of Chowhali. Jewel Rana allegedly coerced the 13-year-old boy, a tenth-grader at a local school, into a sexual act. The boy informed his family of the incident upon returning home, after which the matter spread on social media.

In response to the allegations, the local BNP unit issued a show-cause letter to Jewel Rana on Sunday night. The letter stated that the accusations, which surfaced on social media, have tarnished the party’s reputation. Jewel Rana was instructed to explain his actions within 72 hours, failing which organizational measures would be taken against him.

Chowhali Upazila BNP President Zahid Molla said the incident has placed the party in an embarrassing position. A three-member committee has been formed to investigate the matter, with a directive to submit a report within three working days.

Jewel Rana denied the allegations, claiming they are part of a conspiracy to frame him. He maintained that he and the boy had a prior acquaintance and a “good relationship.”