A fatal clash erupted between activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami in Jiban Nagar, Chuadanga, leaving one dead and six injured. The violence was sparked by escalating political tensions and prior altercations between the two groups, culminating in a bloody confrontation that claimed the life of Hafizur Rahman, a prominent Jamaat member and jeweller.
The incident occurred on the night of Saturday, 28th February 2024, in the Hasadaha area of Jiban Nagar. Hafizur Rahman, the elder brother of Mofizur Rahman, the Amir (leader) of Jamaat in Hasadaha Union, was reportedly attacked by BNP activists with blunt objects and sharp weapons during the confrontation. He succumbed to his injuries after being transferred to several hospitals for treatment.
Tensions between the two political factions had been escalating for weeks. The dispute intensified following a series of confrontations, including an assault on Jamaat member Mahdi Hassan on 13th February. This incident aggravated the political rivalry between the BNP and Jamaat, fuelling the animosity.
The violence erupted after the evening Iftar (Ramadan fast-breaking meal) when Mahdi Hassan and his father, Jasim Uddin, were reportedly attacked by BNP activists near the Hasadaha Model Fazil Madrasa. When Mofizur Rahman and Hafizur Rahman arrived to intervene, they were also assaulted, leading to a full-scale clash. Six individuals were injured, with four of them sustaining serious injuries. Hafizur Rahman’s condition rapidly worsened, and he was transferred to Jessore and later to Dhaka, where he tragically passed away at 2 AM. His brother, Mofizur Rahman, was also critically injured.
Following the incident, violence spread throughout the Hasadaha Bazaar area, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement. Both the Jiban Nagar police and a military unit were deployed to restore order. Despite the immediate threat subsiding, tensions remained high, and the situation continued to be closely monitored.
In response to the violence, the local Jamaat-e-Islami chapter organised a protest march on Sunday, 1st March 2024, at 10:30 AM to express their outrage and demand justice.
Several political leaders, including newly elected Members of Parliament Advocate Masud Parvez Russell (Chuadanga-1) and Advocate Ruhul Amin (Chuadanga-2), visited the injured in the hospital to offer support and express their condolences.
Local Jamaat leaders, including Ariful Islam Jowarddar, president of the Jamaat municipal youth division, condemned the attack, claiming that BNP and its affiliated organisations targeted Jamaat members due to a longstanding rivalry.
Meanwhile, Shafiqul Islam Pitu, the organisational secretary of Chuadanga District BNP, refrained from commenting on the specifics of the incident, but pledged to investigate the matter further.
Jiban Nagar Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge (OC), Solaiman Sheikh, confirmed that the altercation resulted from prior tensions between the two parties. “We are aware that Hafizur Rahman, the elder brother of Hasadaha Jamaat Amir, was killed, and at least six people were injured. We are taking necessary legal actions,” said OC Sheikh.
Key Incident Details
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | 28th February 2024 |
| Location | Hasadaha area, Jiban Nagar, Chuadanga |
| Parties Involved | BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami |
| Fatality | Hafizur Rahman (Jamaat) |
| Injured | 6 (4 seriously injured) |
| Cause of Conflict | Political rivalry and prior altercations |
| Notable Victims | Mofizur Rahman (Jamaat), brother of the deceased |
| Law Enforcement Response | Police and military intervention |
| Political Response | Protest march organised by local Jamaat |
The situation in Jiban Nagar remains tense, with both political parties preparing for more protests. As investigations continue, authorities have vowed to hold those responsible for the violence accountable. The tragic death of Hafizur Rahman, a key figure within Jamaat, has left the community shaken. The ongoing feud between the BNP and Jamaat is expected to have lasting political consequences, with both sides anticipating further turmoil in the region.