2 Rumeen Farhana supporters injured in 'BNP attack' in Brahmanbaria
A BNP leader denied the allegation and said the incident stemmed from an argument over drugs.
Two supporters of independent lawmaker Rumeen Farhana were allegedly assaulted by local BNP leaders and activists in Ashuganj of Brahmanbaria today (16 September), according to police.
The incident took place in front of the Ashuganj Upazila Parishad complex around noon, leaving former upazila Jubo Dal Convener Ataur Rahman and former Senior Joint Convener Russell Biplob injured.
According to locals, the Abdul Qadir Shah Library in Kholapara village of Lalpur Union is scheduled to host a reception for meritorious students on 18 September, with Rumeen Farhana expected to attend as the chief guest.
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Ataur, who is also the library's president, submitted a written application to the upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) yesterday (15 September) seeking allocation of the upazila auditorium for the programme.
He and Russell went to the upazila parishad today to discuss the venue and other preparations.
When they reached the UNO's office, they saw Ashuganj Upazila BNP President Shahjahan Siraj, General Secretary Habibur Rahman and Organising Secretary Kamal Hossain inside and did not enter the room.
They later went downstairs and were talking when several BNP supporters allegedly attacked them.
Village police members present at the upazila parishad later intervened and separated the two groups.
Russell alleged that BNP General Secretary Habibur Rahman personally led the attack.
"Ashuganj Upazila BNP General Secretary Habibur Rahman came with his men and launched a sudden attack on us. BNP leaders and activists have considered us opponents since Rumeen Farhana was elected," he said.
Habibur denied the allegation, saying the incident followed an argument over drugs.
"There was an argument with our boys over a drug-related issue, which led to some pushing and shoving. I intervened and sent them away," he said.
Ashuganj UNO Md Jamal Hossain said an "unpleasant incident" occurred on a field behind the upazila parishad.
"She [Rumeen Farhana] is an honourable member of parliament. If she wants, the reception will certainly be held," he said.
Ashuganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) AKM Shafiqul Alam Chowdhury said police went to the spot after receiving information about the incident and spoke to the two men.
"If we receive a written complaint, we will investigate the matter and take legal action," added the OC.
