A violent and premeditated attack on a teenage mosque imam and his family in Raipura upazila of Narsingdi has triggered widespread concern and fear among local residents, highlighting escalating tensions over drug-related activities in the area.
The incident occurred on Thursday morning at approximately 9:00am at a busy three-way junction in Serajnagar (Noachar) under Adiabad Union. According to local sources, the attack was linked to ongoing disputes surrounding drug dealing and consumption in the locality.
Residents said that several individuals had long been involved in drug trafficking in the area, which had increasingly alarmed socially conscious youths. Among those who actively protested was 17-year-old Nahid Hossain, a teenage imam at Noyarbari Mosque, who, along with other young people, had recently spoken out against the sale and use of narcotics in public gatherings. This open opposition is believed to have angered a local organised group.
On the day of the attack, Nahid Hossain was walking near his home with his father, 60-year-old Zakir Hossain, and his elder brother, 25-year-old Jahid Hossain. Suddenly, a group of approximately 20 to 25 assailants, reportedly led by individuals named Siam, Pranto, and Munna, launched a coordinated assault on them. The attackers were armed with sharp weapons, including machetes and knives, as well as sticks, and allegedly displayed firearms to intimidate bystanders, creating panic in the area.
Nahid sustained severe injuries to his head, arms, and multiple parts of his body while attempting to escape the attack. When his father and brother rushed to protect him, they too were injured. Locals quickly intervened and rescued the victims, transporting them to the Upazila Health Complex. Due to the seriousness of his condition, Nahid was later transferred to Narsingdi Sadar Hospital for advanced treatment, while the other two family members returned home after receiving first aid.
Local representatives have condemned the attack, stating that it was a deliberate act of violence aimed at silencing opposition to drug-related crime. They have urged law enforcement agencies to swiftly arrest those involved and ensure exemplary punishment to prevent further deterioration of law and order.
Police confirmed that officers were deployed to the scene shortly after the incident and that operations are ongoing to apprehend the suspects. However, authorities noted that no formal written complaint had yet been filed by the victims. They added that legal action would be strengthened once an official case is registered.
Details of the injured persons
| Name | Age | Relation | Nature of injuries | Current condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nahid Hossain | 17 | Imam | Severe cuts and injuries to head and arms | Transferred to Narsingdi Sadar Hospital |
| Zakir Hossain | 60 | Father | Injuries from blunt force trauma | Received first aid |
| Jahid Hossain | 25 | Brother | Head and bodily injuries | Received first aid |
The attack has reignited public debate over the prevalence of drug networks in rural communities and exposed concerns regarding local security enforcement. Residents continue to demand urgent administrative intervention to dismantle drug syndicates and bring the perpetrators to justice without delay.