BNP activists accused of looting and vandalism during vigilante anti-drug campaign in Dinajpur

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Allegations of violence and looting have emerged in Dinajpur’s Birampur following an anti-drug campaign led by local activists affiliated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Residents claim that over 200 participants, operating under the banner of the local women’s wing of the BNP, conducted a series of attacks on Sunday evening, resulting in the vandalism of at least 10 homes.

The operation, which lasted from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., reportedly targeted the Kalyanpur, Chakpara, and Hatatpara areas of the municipality. According to victims, the mob—led by Birampur municipal BNP general secretary Rezaul Karim alongside members of the local women’s and volunteer wings—carried clubs as they descended upon the properties of individuals accused of involvement in the drug trade.

Witnesses and victims described a scene of destruction, asserting that the attackers broke down doors and dismantled furniture, including wardrobes, display cases, and tables. Appliances such as refrigerators and televisions were also destroyed. Beyond property damage, three women—Shamsunnahar Begum, Sukhimoni, and Afroza Begum—alleged they were physically assaulted during the raids and later sought medical treatment at the Birampur Upazila Health Complex.

Victims have further accused the mob of stealing cash and jewelry during the turmoil. Shahanaz Parveen, one of the complainants, stated that two lakh taka in cash from her cattle business, along with gold ornaments, were taken during the destruction of her home. Shamsunnahar Begum questioned the legitimacy of the vigilante justice, noting that if criminal activity was suspected, the matter should have been referred to law enforcement and the judicial system rather than resulting in physical assault and coerced confessions.

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The organizers of the campaign have defended their actions as a necessary effort to purge the community of narcotics. Tanjiad Mun, secretary of the municipal women’s wing, stated that the initiative was aimed at resisting drug dealers. BNP municipal general secretary Rezaul Karim echoed this sentiment, arguing that the group had previously issued warnings to those involved in the drug trade and that the operation was intended to discourage further illicit activity.

Following the unrest, affected residents filed three separate written complaints with the Birampur police, naming 22 individuals, including local BNP, Jubo Dal, and volunteer wing leaders, as well as three journalists.

The victims expressed frustration over the police response, alleging that officers failed to intervene despite the proximity of the station to the affected areas. Birampur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Islam Sarkar maintained that officers were aware of the incident but had not received specific complaints at the time of the attacks. He confirmed that the police are now investigating the reports and pledged to take legal action based on the formal complaints filed.