Agailjhara Schoolboy Brutally Attacked

A tenth-grade schoolboy has sustained serious injuries following a violent attack by a group of teenagers in Agailjhara upazila of Barishal district, raising renewed concerns over the activities of local youth gangs in rural communities.

The incident occurred on Monday evening (4 May) in Rangta village under Rajihar Union. The victim, Hriday Sardar, is a student of Rangta Secondary School. According to local sources and the victim’s family, he had long-standing tensions with two teenagers from the same area—Alim Hawladar (17) and Sajid Hawladar (16)—over a dispute that initially began after allegations that the duo had been harassing a girl from the locality.

Hriday reportedly objected to the alleged harassment, which escalated into verbal confrontations between the parties. Although the matter was later mediated locally, the hostility was never fully resolved. Over time, the situation deteriorated further, eventually culminating in the violent assault.

On the day of the incident, Hriday had been returning home in the late afternoon after completing agricultural work in nearby fields. He was carrying a bundle of harvested paddy on his head when he was allegedly ambushed near a roadside area. The victim stated that a group of around 10 to 12 individuals had been lying in wait and suddenly attacked him without provocation.

The assailants reportedly used sticks and sharp objects, leaving Hriday seriously injured. Alongside Alim and Sajid, several others including Sajal Sardar and Ashraful Ghorami were also accused of participating in the attack.

Locals quickly intervened after hearing the commotion and rescued the injured student. He was first taken to Agailjhara Upazila Health Complex, where he received emergency treatment. However, due to the severity of his injuries, he was kept under medical observation.

Residents of the area have alleged that the group involved has long been associated with acts of intimidation, physical assault, and harassment of young women. According to them, repeated complaints had been raised previously, but limited enforcement action allowed such behaviour to persist and escalate.

The police have stated that legal action will be initiated if a formal complaint is lodged. Officer-in-Charge Md. Masud Khan confirmed that the matter would be investigated in accordance with the law once an official statement is received.

Individuals Allegedly Involved

Community members have called for swift and decisive administrative action to curb the influence of such groups and to prevent further incidents of violence involving school-aged youths in the area.