Jamaat Leader Attacked, BNP Denies Allegations

A senior leader of Jamaat-e-Islami, Ramzan Ali, was brutally attacked and injured by unidentified assailants in Char Shivrampur, Himaitpur Union, Pabna Sadar Upazila, on Saturday evening. The incident has triggered heightened political tensions in the district, with both Jamaat and BNP staging separate protests on Sunday.

According to local sources, Ramzan Ali, a veteran freedom fighter, serves as the President of Jamaat-e-Islami for Ward 9 in Himaitpur Union and acts as the Director of Char Shivrampur polling centre. On Saturday night, after completing his election campaign activities and performing prayers at a local mosque, he was allegedly attacked by a group of men. He sustained multiple injuries from being both beaten and slashed and was subsequently admitted to Pabna General Hospital in a critical condition.

Jamaat-e-Islami has accused BNP activists of orchestrating the assault. In protest, Jamaat supporters took to the streets on Sunday at 11:00 a.m., marching from Shaheed Chattar through key city roads before staging a sit-in outside the District Commissioner’s office. During the protest, party leaders directly blamed BNP for the attack. Key figures addressing the crowd included:

In a simultaneous demonstration, BNP leaders and activists also conducted a rally, which traversed central city streets before culminating at Pabna Press Club. There, BNP officials held a press conference to refute the allegations.

Speaking to reporters, Masud Khandakar, Member Secretary of Pabna BNP, stated:

“Jamaat is deliberately spreading falsehoods regarding this incident. We, too, are shocked that a freedom fighter was injured. However, no BNP leader or activist was involved. This appears to be a private dispute related to land and family matters. We strongly condemn the baseless accusations.”

Pabna Sadar Police Officer-in-Charge, Dulal Hossain, confirmed that an investigation is underway. “We are examining all aspects of the case. If evidence emerges, appropriate legal action will be taken,” he said.

The incident has further inflamed political sensitivities in the district ahead of local elections, highlighting the precarious law and order situation. Observers suggest that close monitoring by law enforcement is essential to prevent escalation and to ensure that electoral activities proceed peacefully. Both parties have vowed to pursue their respective narratives, keeping the district on edge.