A senior local politician in Rajshahi’s Durgapur upazila has been physically assaulted by members of his own party following a heated dispute over the allocation of government rice cards intended for underprivileged families.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at around 1:30 pm in Shyampur village, within Nowpara Union, when Azad Ali Sardar (62)—the acting chairman of Nowpara Union Parishad and president of Ward No. 5 Nandigram BNP—was allegedly attacked by local BNP activists. Mr Sardar is currently undergoing treatment at the Durgapur Upazila Health Complex after sustaining injuries during the confrontation.
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Clash Over VGF Relief Cards
The conflict reportedly arose over the distribution of Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) cards, a government programme designed to provide rice to economically disadvantaged households during major festivals and emergency periods.
According to local sources, the chairman was travelling from the Union Parishad office to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO)’s office when several party members, led by RezauI Islam, a former Union Parishad member, and Afaz, a local BNP leader, reportedly blocked his path.
The group demanded 240 VGF cards be allocated to their supporters. Chairman Sardar reportedly refused, explaining that the cards must be distributed in accordance with official regulations and the approved beneficiary list. This refusal allegedly provoked the group, who then assaulted him and forcibly took some of his official documents.
Injuries and Chairman’s Statement
Following the attack, Mr Sardar received immediate medical attention. Doctors advised X-rays to examine injuries sustained to his chest, back, and legs.
Speaking to reporters, Sardar rejected allegations that he had solicited money in exchange for relief cards.
“The claim that I demanded money for VGF cards is completely false and fabricated,” he said. “All cards were being distributed according to official procedures.”
Conflicting Accounts from Local Leaders
Accounts of the incident from local BNP leaders are contradictory.
RezauI Islam, former UP member and organisational secretary of Shyampur Ward BNP, admitted that the chairman was assaulted but alleged that Sardar had demanded Tk 5,000 per card, which allegedly sparked the attack.
Abdul Hakim, general secretary of Shyampur Ward BNP, suggested that the attack was motivated by dissatisfaction over the chairman’s attempt to compile a transparent beneficiary list.
These conflicting explanations have intensified calls for an impartial investigation.
Key Individuals Involved
| Name | Role | Claim / Allegation |
|---|---|---|
| Azad Ali Sardar | Acting Chairman, Nowpara Union Parishad | Claims assault followed his refusal to distribute cards irregularly |
| RezauI Islam | Former UP Member, BNP leader | Admits assault; alleges chairman demanded Tk 5,000 per card |
| Abdul Hakim | General Secretary, Shyampur Ward BNP | Says attack linked to objection over transparent beneficiary list |
Police and Administrative Response
Shafiqul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Durgapur Police Station, confirmed that the chairman submitted a written complaint and that police have been sent to investigate.
The Upazila Nirbahi Officer, MashTura Amina, stated she was aware of the incident and advised the chairman to pursue legal action.
Wider Implications
The episode underscores ongoing tensions surrounding government relief programmes in rural Bangladesh. Disputes over beneficiary lists, political influence, and accusations of corruption occasionally result in confrontations, placing vulnerable communities and officials at risk.
Observers emphasise the importance of transparent beneficiary selection and strict administrative oversight to prevent such conflicts and ensure relief reaches those most in need.
This incident has once again highlighted the fragility of local governance when po