Vandalism Rocks Workers’ Party Office in Barishal

In the early hours of Thursday, 1 January 2026, the district office of the Workers’ Party, located on Fakirbari Road in Barishal, was subjected to a severe act of vandalism and looting. According to party sources, the single-storey portion of the two-storey tin-roofed building suffered significant damage.

Party officials have alleged that the incident stemmed from a long-standing dispute over the office rent with the building’s owner. The ground floor of the building houses not only the Workers’ Party office but also the offices of the student and youth organisations Chhatri Moitree and Jubo Moitree, as well as the National Labour Federation. The upper floor accommodates the offices of the public artists’ association, Gonoshilpi Songstha.

According to an official statement, the office rent had been regularly paid in cash or via mobile banking since 5 August 2024. The building owner, Nizamul Haque—former councillor of Ward No. 17 and convenor of the Barishal City Jubo League—had been largely absent for an extended period, during which the party maintained regular payments. However, rent for the previous month was reportedly unpaid, prompting Nizamul Haque’s son, Md. Tamim, allegedly in collusion with unidentified individuals, to carry out the destructive raid around 8:00 a.m. on Thursday.

The Workers’ Party reported that furniture, tables, chairs, stand fans, ceiling fans, and other office equipment were either damaged or stolen, with preliminary estimates placing the financial loss in the hundreds of thousands of taka.

S. M. Najrul Haque, President of the Barishal District Committee, filed a written complaint with the Barishal Kotwali Model Police Station. He stated, “We have conducted peaceful political activities for nearly four decades. Rent has always been paid on time, and all related documentation is in our possession.”

Zakir Hossain, President of the Barishal Labour Federation, strongly condemned the attack, saying, “Vandalising a political office without notice is entirely unlawful and reprehensible. Those responsible must face a thorough investigation and legal action.”

Police officers, however, have described the matter as a property dispute rather than a politically motivated attack. Officer-in-Charge Al Mamun ul Islam confirmed, “The site has been inspected, a written complaint has been received, and a legal investigation is underway. Appropriate action will be taken upon completion of the inquiry.”

The following table summarises the key facts of the incident:

The incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced security at political offices and the importance of adhering strictly to rental agreements to prevent future conflicts.