Barishal Chhatra Dal leaders accused of vandalism, assaulting women

Leaders and activists of the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have been accused of vandalising a restaurant, assaulting two women, and looting cash following a dispute in Barishal city.

The allegations were brought against the general secretary of the BM College Chhatra Dal and several of his associates over the incident that took place last night (29 June) in Notun Bazar.

The incident triggered protests, with residents blocking the Notun Bazar road and later holding a broom procession demanding the arrest of those involved. The two injured women, Renu Begum and Mala Akter, received primary treatment.

Officer-in-Charge Al Mamun Ul Islam of Barishal Kotwali Model Police Station said police had received conflicting accounts from both sides and brought the situation under control. He added that legal action would be taken if a written complaint is filed.

According to Renu Begum, the attack stemmed from an earlier altercation among Chhatra Dal activists in the Baganbari area of Kaunia.

She alleged that the accused claimed people involved in the dispute had gathered at her restaurant before arriving with 70 to 80 others on 30 to 35 motorcycles to attack the shop. "They dragged me and my sister onto the road, assaulted and molested us, and pulled our hair."

Mala Akter also alleged that the attackers took Tk6,000 from the restaurant's cash box. She claimed the attack was led by BM College Chhatra Dal General Secretary Walid Bin Salauddin, former joint convener Sirajul Islam Ratul, Waliul Islam Tamim, and Global University of Bangladesh Chhatra Dal President Tasnimul Ferdous Hasan.

"Our only fault is that the people they had a dispute with sometimes came to our restaurant. That is why we were attacked and humiliated," she said.

Following the incident, residents staged protests and blocked the road, demanding the arrest and punishment of those responsible. Later, they held a broom procession against the accused despite assurances from police and Barishal Metropolitan Chhatra Dal leaders that action would be taken.

Denying the allegations, Walid Bin Salauddin said Chhatra Dal activist Abdullah had been beaten earlier in the day beneath Morokkhola Bridge and was being treated in hospital. He also claimed another BM College student was attacked while heading to the police station to file a complaint.

"We have learned that several of the attackers are affiliated with the banned Chhatra League. We did not attack anyone, and false allegations are being spread against us," Walid said.

Barishal Metropolitan Chhatra Dal Convener Enamul Hasan Tasnim said the organisation does not support violence and that organisational action would be taken if any member was found to have assaulted or molested women.