A mob comprising hundreds of people vandalised a picnic spot named 'Jibon Mahal' at Kanchaonghat Bazar under Birol upazila in in Dinajpur district on Thursday, accusing it of hosting "anti-social activities".
Under the banner of 'Islam Priyo Towhidi Janata', they blocked the Dinajpur-Bochaganj road for hours, demanding the arrest of the park's owner, Dr Anwar Hossain Jibon Chowdhury. The blockade was withdrawn in the evening after the administration assured action, witnesses said.
The incident began around 3:30pm and continued for two hours before law enforcers brought the situation under control.
The owner of the properties said a group had been campaigning against the park for weeks and recently announced on Facebook that they would vandalise it.
He claimed he had sought security from the civil and police administration on Wednesday and informed local army officials, but received no protection.
"People started gathering from 2:00pm and then launched the attack. They destroyed statues, rides, and other installations, looted cash and furniture. My losses are about Tk 3-4 crore," he alleged.
Hafizur Rahman, who was in the group, said, "Members of Towhidi Janata gathered for a peaceful procession against anti-social activities. When Jibon Chowdhury's men attacked us, we only resisted."
Superintendent of Police Maruf Hossain denied Jibon's claim of seeking protection. He said protesters were permitted to hold a procession near the park, but stormed it after being attacked.
"People were long agitated as anti-social activities were allegedly taking place in a building known as the 'White House' inside the park," he added. Extra police and army personnel have been deployed to prevent further violence.
Deputy Commissioner Md Rafiqul Islam called the incident "very unfortunate" and urged both sides to stay calm. He said the administration had anticipated trouble 10-15 days ago and instructed the local UNO and OC to prevent it, but they failed due to the size of the mob.
UNB reports: At least 20 people were injured in a series of clashes between two groups over a picnic and entertainment spot, 'Jibon Mahal', and a shrine, ‘Jibonia Darbar’, in Biral upazila of Dinajpur district on Thursday.
The incident of vandalism, arson and looting occurred during one and a half-hour long clash, police said.
They said the clashes erupted around 2:30 pm at Kanchan intersection when the employees of Jibon Mahal Park and Resort formed a human chain in support of the establishment.
At the same time, two processions of locals arrived at the spot.
Witnesses said tensions escalated when Jibon Mahal employees and some locals hurled brickbats at the locals’ procession, resulting in a chase and counter-chase on the Dinajpur-Biral Road.
The locals later broke into the Jibon Mahal Park and Resort, vandalised its property, and set fire to the 'Jibonia Darbar'.
Two microbuses and at least 10 motorcycles were torched, while valuables from the spot were looted by miscreants.
The clash escalated with both sides engaging in stone pelting and chase-and-counter-chase, leaving at least 20 people injured.
On receiving information, army personnel and police rushed to the scene, took positions between the groups, and brought the situation under control.
Superintendent of Dinajpur Police Marufat Hossain and Deputy Commissioner Rafiqul Islam visited the spot later.
Authorities assured legal action against those involved with the clashes.
The police super was scheduled to hold meeting with the representatives from the locals to discuss the matter. But it could not be known where it was held.
Resort owner Anwar Chowdhury Jibon could not be reached over mobile phone despite repeated attempts.
