Violence Erupts in Gaibandha Over Alleged Political Feuds

A wave of violence has struck the village of Nayanpur in the Sadullapur Upazila of Gaibandha, leaving nine people injured following an attack on the residence of a local student political leader. The incident, which occurred on Sunday afternoon (22 February), targeted the home of Ujjwal Akand, the President of the Faridpur Union unit of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD).

The confrontation reportedly began at approximately 4:00 pm when Ujjwal’s cousin, Shahin Mia, was returning home from Madarganj Hat in the neighbouring Pirganj Upazila. According to the formal complaint lodged by Ujjwal on Monday, a gang of 13 to 14 assailants, armed with bamboo sticks and sharp weapons, intercepted Shahin’s battery-operated rickshaw van near the Nayanpur Jame Mosque. The mob proceeded to vandalise the vehicle and assault Shahin.

Escalation and Targeted Vandalism

When relatives rushed to the scene to intervene, they were also met with violence. In a desperate bid for safety, the victims fled to Ujjwal Akand’s house. However, the attackers pursued them, breaching the property to continue the assault and dismantle the living quarters. Ujjwal further alleged that the homes of his uncle, Chhaku Akand, and his cousin, Yunus Akand, were also ransacked during the spree.

The casualties were significant, with several victims requiring urgent medical intervention at the Sadullapur Upazila Health Complex.

Conflicting Narratives on Motive

The motive behind the attack remains a point of fierce contention. Ujjwal Akand and Parvez Sarkar, the member secretary of the Upazila Chhatra Dal, have attributed the violence to political vengeance. They claim that local Jamaat-e-Islami and Shibir activists orchestrated the raid because Ujjwal’s family campaigned vigorously for the "Sheaf of Paddy" symbol in the recent General Election.

Conversely, the Secretary of the Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami, Md. Sirajul Islam, has categorically denied these political allegations. He asserted that the clash was the result of a long-standing private dispute regarding the ownership of a business establishment in the local market, rather than partisan friction.

Police Investigation Underway

The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sadullapur Police Station, Abdul Alim, confirmed that a formal complaint has been received and that the authorities are currently investigating whether the roots of the violence are political or personal. Legal proceedings are currently being finalised as the police seek to restore order in the village.