Desk Report:  Tensions have flared between supporters of the BNP and Jamaat-Shibir in Ullapara, Sirajganj, over the display of portraits of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.

As a result, leaders and activists of Jamaat-Shibir have been accused of attacking a BNP leader with a hammer.

The incident occurred on Friday (April 18) in front of Ullapara Police Station. The Sirajganj district BNP has issued a statement condemning and protesting the attack.

BNP activists also held a protest march, while Jamaat representatives responded with a counter-statement.

The injured individual has been identified as Azad Hossain Azad, a former member-secretary of the Ullapara BNP unit.

Following the attack, he was initially taken to Ullapara Kawak 30-bed Hospital and later transferred to Bogura for further treatment.

According to local BNP leaders, Azad regularly visits the office of the Ullapara Minibus and Coach Owners’ Association. This year, leaders and activists of Islami Chhatra Shibir secured the lease for the local CNG (auto-rickshaw) stand.

On Thursday afternoon, while collecting lease payments, they reportedly demanded the removal of portraits of the late President Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia, and Tarique Rahman from the office. This led to an argument with locals.

On Friday, after attending Jummah prayers at the local mosque, BNP leader Azad was standing near the police station gate when several Shibir activists allegedly launched a sudden attack on him.

They beat him with hammers and iron rods, causing bleeding injuries to his head and neck, before fleeing the scene.

In response, Kazi Zahurul Islam Pinu, president of Jamaat’s Panchcroshi Union unit, stated:
“Jamaat-e-Islami has leased the Ullapara CNG stand for the Bengali New Year.

On Thursday afternoon and again on Friday morning, BNP leader Azad’s supporters attacked Jamaat and Shibir activists when they went to collect lease payments. The attack on Azad was a consequence of those incidents.”

Ullapara Police Station’s Investigation Officer, Niyamul Haque, said: “Azad has been taken to Bogura for treatment. A drive is underway to arrest those involved in the assault.