BNP Leader Beats Agricultural Officer with Bamboo Stick

Local Correspondent

A BNP leader and his son have been accused of severely assaulting an agricultural officer in Hizla over grievances related to not receiving coconut saplings from a government agricultural incentive program. The victim, Sub-Assistant Plant Protection Officer Fakhrul Islam of the Hizla Upazila Agriculture Office, is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.

The incident took place on Sunday evening, June 22, at Tek Bazar in Khunna Gobindapur, under Barojalia Union of Hizla Upazila.

In the case filed by the victim, the named accused include former Joint Convener of Hizla Upazila BNP, Gias Uddin Dewan (50); his son and Organizational Secretary of Hizla Government College Chhatra Dal, Riazul Islam Jisan; and their associate Azmain Chowdhury. Additionally, 3-4 unidentified individuals were also included as accused.

Fakhrul Islam, the injured officer, said that Gias Uddin was enraged because his political affiliates did not receive the government-distributed coconut saplings. The dispute escalated into a physical assault at the market. Fakhrul stated, “They came with a group, beat me with bamboo sticks, and struck my head. Locals rescued me and admitted me to the hospital.”

However, accused Gias Uddin Dewan denied the allegations, claiming, “I am not involved in the attack. I don’t know who is responsible. This is an attempt to frame me politically.”

Hizla Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sheikh Aminul Islam confirmed the incident and said, “A case was filed immediately after the incident, and initial investigations have found the allegations to be true. Efforts to arrest the accused are underway.”

Following the incident, local BNP leaders attempted to settle the matter amicably, but legal measures were taken that same night due to the intervention of the Upazila Executive Officer.