Freed War Veteran’s Home Ravaged, Family in Fear

In a disturbing incident in Jagannathpur, Sunamganj, the home of a war-injured freedom fighter was reportedly demolished and looted by a local political faction after the family allegedly refused to pay extortion. The attack has left the veteran’s family in a state of heightened insecurity, raising serious concerns about the protection of war heroes and their descendants.

The incident occurred on Sunday, 15 March, around midday in Islampur village, Rani Ganj Union. According to sources within the family, the assailants included Nizam Uddin, organisational secretary of the local Jubo Dal unit, and his associates, Sihab Mia and Majnu Mia.

Eyewitnesses captured the attack on video, showing masked individuals ransacking the house and looting furniture. While the footage appears to implicate Nizam Uddin, he has denied any presence at the scene, stating via telephone that he had no knowledge of the incident and did not attend the site.

Background of the Victim

The victim’s father, the late Abdullah Khan, was a wounded freedom fighter who had lived on government-allotted land in Islampur village since Bangladesh’s independence. The plot was later formally granted to him for a 99-year lease in his name.

Following the political upheaval on 5 August and the fall of the Awami League government, sources claim that Nizam Uddin began exerting pressure to forcibly occupy the property. When the family refused to pay an alleged BDT 500,000 extortion demand made to Abdullah Khan’s eldest son, Abdul Goffar, the assailants reportedly resorted to violence.

On Sunday, according to the family, Nizam Uddin led a group that demolished the house and looted its contents, resulting in damages estimated at BDT 2 million.

Abdul Goffar said:

“For a long time, Nizam Uddin and Sihab Mia have been trying to take over our family’s land. I even filed a written complaint at the local police station. In retaliation, they demanded 500,000 taka. When we refused, they destroyed our house and stole all the furniture. We now feel completely unsafe in our own home.”

Law Enforcement Response

SI Hadi Abdullah, Deputy Inspector of Jagannathpur Police Station, visited the site and confirmed the demolition. He stated:

“We arrived at the location after receiving news of the attack. The house, built on land leased to the freedom fighter’s family, has been destroyed. Police are currently investigating the matter and gathering evidence.”

The authorities are reportedly reviewing the video footage and collecting witness statements. No arrests have been confirmed yet, though the investigation is ongoing.

Alleged Perpetrators

The incident has sparked outrage among local residents, who have criticised the political intimidation and lawlessness displayed. The victim’s family continues to live in fear and has requested police protection while investigations proceed.

This attack underscores ongoing vulnerabilities faced by families of war heroes, particularly in rural areas where political influence and extortion attempts can jeopardise both property and personal safety. Authorities have pledged to ensure that justice is served and that the perpetrators are held accountable.