A local leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and his associates have been accused of assaulting four members of a single family, including two women and a child, during an attempt to mediate a domestic dispute in the Mirzaganj Upazila of Patuakhali. The victims further alleged that they were initially obstructed from entering the local police station to file a formal complaint following the incident.
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Details of the Incident
The incident occurred in Gabua village, located within the Kakrabunia Union. The dispute centers on a long-standing disagreement regarding a plot of “Debottar” (temple) land between two brothers, Samir Howlader and Shankar Howlader.
According to local sources and statements from the victims, the altercation took place last Friday afternoon. Samir Howlader’s family attempted to trim the branches of a Chambal tree near their residence, as the tree had become hazardous. Shankar Howlader arrived at the scene accompanied by Mojibur Rahman, the Vice President of the Mirzaganj Upazila BNP and a member of the Kakrabunia Union Parishad, along with Siddiqur Rahman, Wahab Mia, and several others.
Allegations of Physical Violence
The victims allege that Mojibur Rahman and his associates intervened on behalf of Shankar Howlader. The situation escalated into physical violence. Jhilik Howlader (22), Samir’s daughter, stated that she was severely beaten with a tree branch. Furthermore, she alleged that when her four-year-old son, Piyas, approached her during the assault, he was kicked by the attackers.
Samir Howlader noted that his family has resided on the land adjacent to the temple for approximately 40 years. He claimed that Mojibur Rahman, acting as a mediator, failed to remain impartial and instead launched a physical attack on his wife, daughter, grandson, and himself. Samir also suggested a potential underlying motive, alleging that Mojibur Rahman had previously taken 5,000 BDT from him for temple renovations that were never carried out.
Summary of Individuals Involved and Injuries
| Name | Role / Status | Reported Injuries |
| Mojibur Rahman | Accused (BNP Vice President) | Denies involvement |
| Samir Howlader (52) | Victim (Complainant) | Physical assault |
| Sabita Rani (42) | Victim (Samir’s wife) | Physical assault |
| Jhilik Howlader (22) | Victim (Samir’s daughter) | Beaten with a branch |
| Piyas (4) | Victim (Jhilik’s son) | Allegedly kicked |
| Shankar Howlader | Brother of Samir | Currently in hiding |
Official Responses and Denials
Mojibur Rahman has categorically denied the allegations of assault. He maintained that he was invited to mediate the dispute and claimed that upon his arrival, he found the two families already engaged in a physical altercation. He asserted that members of both parties were injured and denied that he or his associates participated in the violence.
Shankar Howlader and his immediate family members were unavailable for comment, as they have reportedly gone into hiding following the incident.
Addressing the allegation that the victims were barred from the police station, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Mirzaganj Police Station, Abdus Salam, dismissed the claim. He stated that the authorities had been informed of the matter through local residents and had advised the victims to seek medical treatment before lodging a formal complaint. He assured that legal action would be initiated once a formal written complaint is received.