Local BNP Leader Accused of Assaulting Union Parishad Official and Seizing Government Property in Patuakhali
Photo Collected
Local political tensions in Patuakhali’s Bauphal upazila escalated Tuesday when the president of the Daspara Union BNP, Ali Azam Chowdhury, was accused of assaulting a digital service entrepreneur and forcibly seizing his equipment. The incident occurred at the Daspara Union Parishad office, where witnesses reported that the assailant also locked the main gate and an administrative room following the altercation.
The victim, 45-year-old Saiful Hasan, who serves as the union’s entrepreneur and is the brother-in-law of Chairman Jahangir Hossain, was allegedly targeted while providing services to citizens. According to Hasan, a group of 15 to 20 individuals led by Chowdhury entered the office shortly after 1:00 p.m. and ordered him to vacate the premises. When Hasan insisted he would not leave without authorization from the Upazila Executive Officer (UNO), he was subjected to physical violence before his laptop was confiscated.
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The confrontation follows broader allegations of political intimidation within the union. Local residents suggest that since the change in national government on August 5, Chowdhury has been attempting to seize control of the local administration. The hostility reportedly intensified Monday, when Chowdhury and his supporters allegedly pressured several union parishad members to sign a no-confidence motion against Chairman Jahangir, a former treasurer of the local Awami League branch.
Rafiqul Islam Hawlader, a member representing Ward 6, recounted being approached by a group of approximately 45 people at his home in Kalaiya market on Monday morning. Hawlader stated that he was coerced into signing the motion against the chairman despite his initial refusal to comply.
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Addressing the allegations, Ali Azam Chowdhury denied direct involvement in the assault or the intimidation tactics. He characterized the claims as politically motivated and asserted that any actions taken against the chairman were initiated by the union members themselves.
Upazila Executive Officer Saleh Ahmed confirmed receipt of formal complaints regarding the assault, the forced signatures, and the no-confidence motion. Describing the attack on the entrepreneur as deeply regrettable, the official stated that an investigation into the incidents is underway and that appropriate legal measures will be taken against those found responsible.
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