Political Violence Escalates in Chattogram
Chattogram, Nov. 6 – A violent incident unfolded in the Raozan upazila of Chattogram district on Wednesday night, resulting in five BNP activists sustaining bullet injuries. The attack, allegedly orchestrated by rival groups seeking to establish dominance in the area, took place around 11:45pm in the Chowdhurypara area under Ward No. 4 of Bagowan union, as reported by local authorities and residents.
The injured individuals include Abdullah Sumon, the general secretary of the upazila unit of Sramik Dal, along with activists Ismail, Khorshed, Rubel, and Sohel. Among them, Sumon’s condition is described as critical. All five are currently receiving treatment at Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH).
According to local accounts, a group of unidentified assailants arrived on motorcycles and in a car before opening fire indiscriminately on the BNP men. The sound of their screams prompted nearby residents to rush to the scene, where they rescued the injured and transported them to CMCH.
This incident has sparked widespread concern, especially after a BNP candidate, Ershad Ullah, was also shot and injured during a campaign event in the city’s Bayezid area earlier in the day. One of his associates, Sarwar Babla, lost his life in that attack.
Locals alleged that the police reached the scene approximately an hour and a half after the shooting, which led to increased panic in the area. They claimed the attack was rooted in a conflict between two local BNP factions vying for supremacy.
Md Jabbar, a local resident, mentioned that the assailants fled the scene shortly after the attack. Meanwhile, the Raozan Upazila BNP president, Jasim Uddin Chowdhury, stated that the victims were returning home after attending a preparatory meeting ahead of the party’s observance of ‘Revolution and Solidarity Day’ on November 7.
He added that nine to ten armed men ambushed the BNP and affiliated activists in the Bagowan Kuiyapara Chowdhurypara area, emphasizing that Sumon’s condition remained critical.
The officer-in-charge of Raozan Police Station could not be reached despite repeated attempts. However, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Md Belayet Hossain of the Raozan-Rangunia Circle confirmed that police have been deployed in the area to prevent further incidents, with an investigation ongoing.
Recent History of Violence
This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence in the region. On October 25, local Jubo Dal leader Md Alamgir Alam was killed in a similar gun attack in the same upazila. Over the past year, at least 17 people have been killed in the upazila, including 12 BNP activists, four Chhatra and Jubo League members, and one expatriate.
The escalating violence has raised concerns about the safety of political activists and the need for stronger security measures. Prof Yunus has reportedly ordered security forces to intensify efforts to track down those responsible for the recent attacks in Chattogram.
Key Details of the Incident
- The attack occurred around 11:45pm in the Chowdhurypara area.
- Five BNP activists were injured, with one in critical condition.
- Locals claim the police arrived over an hour after the incident.
- The attack is believed to be linked to internal conflicts within the BNP.
- This follows previous attacks, including the killing of Md Alamgir Alam in October.