BNP Leaders Attack Chairman Over VGF Card Dispute

In a shocking incident in Durgapur Upazila, Rajshahi, a dispute over rice distribution cards for the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme escalated into violence on Wednesday, 11 March. Azad Ali Sardar, the acting chairman of Nawpara Union Parishad and a 62-year-old BNP leader, was physically assaulted by local BNP activists in Shyampur village around 1:30 pm.

The chairman, who is also the president of the BNP in Ward 5, Nandigram, is currently undergoing treatment at the Upazila Health Complex for injuries sustained to his chest, back, and legs. According to medical advice, he has undergone X-ray examinations to assess the extent of the injuries.

Incident Details

Local sources reported that while Azad Ali Sardar was en route from the Union Parishad office to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) office, former UP member Rezaul Islam, along with BNP leaders including Afaz, and several others blocked his path in Shyampur. They demanded 240 VGF rice cards to be allocated to their supporters.

When the chairman explained that card distribution must follow official procedures, the group reportedly became agitated and attacked him, forcibly seizing official documents.

Conflicting Accounts

Mr Sardar rejected allegations of financial misconduct, describing them as “completely false and fabricated.” He maintains that he was assaulted solely for following proper procedures in card distribution.

Conversely, Rezaul Islam, former UP member and BNP organisational secretary for Shyampur Ward, admitted involvement in the attack but claimed it was provoked by the chairman allegedly demanding 5,000 taka in exchange for cards. Meanwhile, Abdul Hakim, general secretary of Shyampur Ward BNP, suggested the attack stemmed from dissatisfaction with a transparency-driven allocation list.

Official Response

Shafikul Islam, officer-in-charge of Durgapur Police Station, confirmed that a formal complaint has been lodged and that a police investigation is underway. Additionally, Mashura Amina, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Durgapur, stated that she is aware of the incident and has advised the chairman to pursue legal action.

The incident highlights the rising tensions in local politics surrounding welfare programmes, particularly in cases where procedural compliance clashes with local power dynamics. Authorities have urged restraint and called for strict adherence to official distribution rules to prevent further violence.