A violent clash over the placing of posters in Netrakona’s Durgapur Upazila has led to the death of a BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) worker, Shafiqul Islam (42). The incident also resulted in the vandalism of homes and the injury of at least seven others.
Shafiqul's body was sent to the mortuary of Netrokona Sadar Hospital for autopsy on Friday morning, following the attack that took place late Thursday night in the Abbachnagar village of the Baklajora Union.
Shafiqul Islam, a resident of Abbachnagar village, worked at a local sawmill. He was the nephew of Hamidur Rahman (Rashed), the former president of the Upazila BNP and a dedicated BNP member.
Among the injured, Alamgir Hossain, Sourav, Shakil, Lalchan Mia, and Kala Chan were admitted to the local health complex.
According to police, locals, and eyewitnesses, the incident stems from a dispute over posters for Eid greetings. Hamidur Rahman (Rashed), a former president of Durgapur Upazila BNP, had begun putting up posters and small billboards across the area in preparation for the upcoming Eid. He is also hoping to receive a nomination for the upcoming elections.
BNP supporters started putting up posters throughout Durgapur market and other areas from the afternoon of May 22. However, when they reached the area near the police station, they faced resistance from a rival group.
Jamal Uddin, the joint convener of the Upazila BNP, and his supporters began to prevent the poster campaign, tearing down many of them in the process. This caused a heated dispute.
Later that night, a group of people went to Abbachnagar village and attacked the home of Hamidur Rahman (Rashed), resulting in the destruction of property. During this attack, Shafiqul Islam, the victim, was killed, and six to seven others were injured.
The victim’s relatives, including Mohammad Kala Chan Mia, accused Jamal Uddin of leading the assault. According to the family, the attackers also fired gunshots during the incident. Shafiqul was reportedly shot and beaten to death at the scene.
Durgapur Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Mahmudul Hasan confirmed that an investigation is underway and that it is still unclear whether gunfire was involved in the attack. He stated that the body had been sent for autopsy, and a case is in progress.
Netrokona's Additional Police Superintendent (Administration), Saheb Ali Khan Pathan, assured that the police are actively working to apprehend those responsible for the attack. He further emphasised that no matter how influential the attackers are, the culprits will be arrested soon.
