Barisal Property Feud Turns Violent as Prominent Advocate’s Daughter Injured

A violent assault over a bitter ancestral property dispute has left the daughter of renowned Supreme Court advocate and human rights champion Zahirul Hasan (Z.I.) Khan Panna injured in Barisal. Nadima Mohammadi Khan, aged 39, was targeted on Saturday evening at her family residence situated on the bustling Sadar Road of the city.

Following the targeted attack, Ms Khan was rushed to the Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, where she received urgent medical treatment for her injuries. Early on Sunday morning (19 July), she filed a formal complaint at the Barisal Kotwali Model Thana. The case names five specific individuals as defendants, including her paternal uncle, Nazrul Islam Khan. Law enforcement officials have moved swiftly, confirming the arrest of one named suspect, 35-year-old Tanjia Chandni.

The formal First Information Report (FIR) reveals that the roots of the violence lie in a contentious dispute over family land, further aggravated by a brazen extortion attempt. The case details state that a criminal gang demanded a sum of 1,000,000 BDT (10 lakh Taka) from Ms Khan. When she resolutely refused to pay, a coordinated gang of local drug addicts and dealers launched an assault on the property at around 7:15 pm on Saturday. Armed with heavy wooden sticks, the attackers struck Ms Khan repeatedly, causing significant physical trauma.

Recounting the sequence of events, Ms Khan explained that she and her cousin had travelled from Dhaka on Saturday to visit their ancestral home. Upon their arrival, they discovered a group of local youths trespassing on the property, littering the compound, and openly selling and consuming illegal narcotics. Ms Khan’s attempts to object to this unlawful behaviour sparked an intense verbal argument. Minutes later, an aggressive mob of 25 to 30 individuals descended upon the residence, escalating the confrontation into a physical attack. It was only when neighbouring residents heard the commotion and intervened that Ms Khan was rescued from her assailants.

Ms Khan has firmly alleged that the incident was designed to force her away from her rightful inheritance. She asserted that the mob acted under the direct instruction and protection of her uncle, Nazrul Islam Khan, who allegedly intended to terrify her so that she would never return to claim her share of the estate.

Journalistic attempts to reach Nazrul Islam Khan for comment were unsuccessful, as his mobile phone remained unanswered despite multiple connection attempts.

Mamunul Islam, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the Barisal Kotwali Model Thana, reassured the public that the law is taking its course. While one suspect has been successfully neutralised and placed under arrest, dedicated police units are actively conducting raids across the region to bring the remaining suspects to justice.

Key Institutional Elements of the Investigation

• Medical Care: Emergency treatment administered by the clinical staff at the Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital.

• Primary Law Enforcement Jurisdiction: Barisal Kotwali Model Thana, overseen by Officer-in-Charge Mamunul Islam.

• Core Criminal Charges: Extortion, physical assault with dangerous weapons, criminal trespass, and conspiracy.