Bangladesh: BNP's mob assaults Awami League leaders' homes
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Synopsis
In a recent act of violence, a mob linked to the BNP's Chhatra Dal vandalized the homes of Awami League leaders in Sylhet. The attacks led to significant property damage and further escalated the ongoing political tensions in Bangladesh.
Key Takeaways
- BNP's Chhatra Dal involved in attacks.
- Homes of Awami League figures vandalized.
- Significant property damage reported.
- Political violence on the rise in Bangladesh.
- Human rights concerns raised by Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK).
Dhaka, April 3 (NationPress) In another instance of violence against former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League, a mob associated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)'s Chhatra Dal targeted the homes of former Mayor Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury and former Member of Parliament Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel.
The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sylhet Airport Police Station, Syed Anisur Rahman, reported that a furious group of students and citizens attacked Nadel's home, resulting in significant damages, as covered by local news outlet UNB.
Eyewitnesses indicated that individuals from the Chhatra Dal arrived at Nadel's residence in Sylhet city on 70-80 motorcycles, launched an assault on the property, and caused destruction to CCTV equipment and a laptop.
In another incident, Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury's residence in the Pathantula sector of Sylhet was also targeted. The attackers vandalised furniture and various household items.
Harunur Rashid, OC of Jalalabad Police Station, stated, "Police were alerted and responded to the scene. We have gathered that the attack was perpetrated by angered students and members of the community."
The mob further looted valuable items from the house. No family members of Anwaruzzaman were present; two caretakers were managing the property and reportedly faced mistreatment from the attackers, according to a report by local media outlet BDDIGEST.
In the aftermath of Sheikh Hasina's ousting, numerous Awami League leaders were violently attacked and some were killed.
A report from the prominent Bangladeshi daily, The Dhaka Tribune, noted that in August 2024, the bodies of at least 20 Awami League leaders and their family members were discovered across the nation.
Recently, several Awami League leaders and supporters have endured severe assaults and mob violence.
Last month, a midnight raid executed by a violent mob predominantly composed of students targeted the residence of an Awami League leader in a wealthy area of Dhaka, provoking harsh criticism from citizens who are outraged over the police's inaction and the politically driven violence that has alarmingly escalated under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.
The targeted residence belonged to Tanvir Imam, the son of H.T. Imam, an advisor to Sheikh Hasina. The mob, consisting of over 100 youths, ransacked the apartment, alleging that Awami League members were hiding there and that illegal weapons and cash were concealed nearby. However, they found nothing during their search.
In February, a large group of demonstrators vandalised and set fire to the residence of Bangladesh's founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dhaka during a live online speech by his daughter, Sheikh Hasina.
The furious mob damaged the memorial and residence of Sheikh Hasina's father, located at Dhanmondi 32 in Bangladesh, demanding a ban on the Awami League, the party he established.
In December 2024, the Dhaka-based human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) published a report highlighting the alarming rise of mob violence and lawlessness justified in the name of justice under the interim government.
