Violent Rampage Destroys 17 Homes in Faridpur

In Faridpur Sadar Upazila, 17 residential homes were subjected to a brutal attack, with widespread vandalism and looting reported. Three individuals, who had sought refuge inside a mosque during the assault, were beaten and sustained injuries. Local sources allege that the attack was led by a student political leader. Police have since arrested four suspects in connection with the incident.

The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon in the village of Madhya Kashimabad, Kanaipur Union, reportedly triggered by disputes over the timing of Eid prayers and a proposed increase in the mosque imam’s salary. The injured were immediately taken to Faridpur Medical College Hospital for treatment.

Eyewitness accounts describe extensive damage to the 17 affected homes, including broken fences, smashed doors, and shattered windowpanes. Inside the houses, televisions, refrigerators, cupboards, and other furniture were destroyed. The mosque itself was also targeted: microphones, water tanks, and windows were damaged, while fragments of bricks and blood stains were scattered across its upper floors.

Local residents and the mosque committee have identified the alleged perpetrators as Sohel Munsi (36), joint convener of the student wing of a political party, Rafiqul Alam Khan (46), a banned union-level Awami League organiser and ward member, and Harun Khan (58), ward Awami League president. According to claims, more than 200 individuals, armed with makeshift weapons such as cleavers, machetes, and axes, carried out the attack. Looted items reportedly include gold jewellery, cash, and other valuables, amounting to nearly ten million taka.

The conflict reportedly began the previous evening when the mosque committee decided, after a discussion, to schedule Eid prayers at 8:00 am and to increase the imam’s salary by 2,000 taka. Rafiqul Alam Khan and Harun Khan opposed the decision, leading to verbal disputes that escalated the following day after Eid prayers.

Local Union Parishad officials and police initially intervened to calm tensions. However, around 1:30 pm, the attackers, led by Sohel Munsi, launched a sudden and violent assault on the homes of residents supporting the mosque committee.

Summary of Damages

Victims have demanded justice and compensation, emphasising that the attack specifically targeted those aligned with the mosque committee. One affected resident, Nazmul Islam, a long-time supporter of BNP, stated that he had endured persecution for 17 years and described the attack as devastating.

Local leaders, including Abdul Tawab of Jamaat-e-Islami, visited the damaged properties and condemned the violence. Police confirmed that a formal complaint has been received, and investigations are ongoing. Four suspects were detained overnight, though key alleged perpetrators have so far evaded arrest.

Faridpur Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Shahidul Islam stated, “We have filed a case based on the written complaint and taken immediate steps to apprehend suspects. Investigations are ongoing, and we urge the community to cooperate with authorities.”