A violent incident occurred on Monday, 23 February, at the district office of the Awami League on Shibbari Road in Mymensingh. Local sources report that members of the opposition student group, the “Anti-Discrimination Student Movement,” set fire to tyres in front of the building and caused extensive damage both inside and outside the office.
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Background of the Incident
The district Awami League office had remained closed since 5 August of the previous year. Following the national parliamentary elections, preparations to reopen the office began on 12 February. On 21 February, a group of Awami League leaders led by Kazi Azad Jahan Shamim hoisted the party flag and paid tribute with flowers at the office premises. Members of the student movement viewed this as a provocation, which they describe as the main trigger for the attack.
Al-Nur Ayas, central coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, stated:
“The Awami League is a prohibited organisation. They are implicated in cases involving the killing of thousands of students and citizens, including the martyr Sagar. Their trial is ongoing. Now that they are attempting to resume activities, we will not permit the use of this blood-stained office. If necessary, we will convert it into a public toilet.”
Land and Construction Dispute
According to sources, the office is built on land allegedly acquired through coercion, and legal disputes over the property remain unresolved. Despite ongoing cases, political influence has kept the property under the party’s control.
Police Response
Police were promptly deployed to the scene. Officer-in-Charge of Kotwali Model Police Station, Md. Nazmus Sakib, confirmed that law enforcement managed to stop the arson and restore order. Initial efforts were also successful in preventing the violence from spreading to nearby areas.
Summary of the Incident
| Date & Time | Location | Type of Incident | Officer-in-Charge | Damage Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 February, noon | Shibbari Road, Mymensingh | Vandalism and arson | Md. Nazmus Sakib | Interior walls damaged; tyres set ablaze outside |
Context and Analysis
Political clashes in Mymensingh are not uncommon. This attack highlights both the region’s ongoing political instability and the active role of student-led movements. While the situation has now stabilised, authorities remain on high alert.
The incident underscores the persistent security risks in politically sensitive areas and reflects the tension between political parties and civil society. It also illustrates the challenges faced by local authorities in ensuring public safety amid intensifying political rivalries.
Mymensingh’s political rivalry, coupled with unresolved legal disputes and active student activism, signals a fragile environment where even minor provocations can escalate into violence, threatening both civic order and the safety of ordinary citizens.