Tutul Mia, speaking from his hospital bed, accused local political activist Sakil Sikder of orchestrating the attack. According to him, he had previously criticised Sakil for alleged wrongdoing, which he believes made him a target.
Doctors at the hospital said one victim had as many as 20 to 25 rubber pellets embedded in his leg. While none of the three were in critical condition, medical teams indicated that surgery might be needed to extract the pellets safely.
Sakil Sikder, a joint convenor of the Sadar Upazila Farmers’ Wing, dismissed the accusations, insisting that the victims were attempting to frame him. Local residents, however, suggested that the shooting was part of an ongoing power struggle between supporters of Sakil and followers of Delwar Hossain (Dilip), convenor of the district Swechchhasebak Dal.
Delwar Hossain stated that he had been informed that Sakil and his associates were behind the attack, adding further suspicion of political motivation.
Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Azharul Islam of Sadar Police Station confirmed that a dispute had been brewing between the two factions. He said that the attack seemed to stem from attempts to assert dominance in the area. Police are investigating the nature of the ammunition used and identifying those involved.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing vulnerability of ordinary residents caught in the crossfire of political rivalries in smaller urban centres.