Lawyer’s Daughter Assaulted Over Property Dispute; One Arrested in Barisal

The daughter of the prominent human rights activist and Supreme Court advocate Zahirul Hasan (Z.I.) Khan Panna has been assaulted at her ancestral residence in Barisal. The victim, identified as 39-year-old Nadima Mohammadi Khan, sustained injuries during the attack, which occurred on Saturday evening at the family home located on Sadar Road in the city.

Following the incident, Ms Khan received medical treatment at the Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital. On Sunday morning (19 July), she formally lodged a case at the Barisal Kotwali Model Thana, naming five individuals, including her paternal uncle, Nazrul Islam Khan, as the primary accused. The local police authorities confirmed that one named suspect, 35-year-old Tanjia Chandni, has already been apprehended in connection with the assault.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the violence stemmed from a long-standing dispute regarding ancestral property, compounded by a recent extortion demand. The case statement alleges that a sum of 1,000,000 BDT (10 lakh Taka) was demanded from Ms Khan. Upon her refusal to comply with the extortionate demand, an organised gang, reportedly consisting of drug abusers and illicit substance dealers, launched a coordinated attack on the residence at approximately 7:15 pm on Saturday. The perpetrators, armed with sticks and blunt objects, physically assaulted Ms Khan, causing her considerable bodily harm.

Detailing the harrowing experience, Nadima Mohammadi Khan stated that she and her cousin had arrived at their ancestral home in Barisal from Dhaka on Saturday. Upon arrival, they observed several youths littering the premises, consuming narcotics, and engaging in drug peddling within the compound. When Ms Khan and her cousin protested against these illegal activities, a heated altercation ensued. Shortly thereafter, an organised mob comprising 25 to 30 individuals stormed the property and launched a vicious assault. Local residents eventually intervened, rescuing Ms Khan from the attackers and ensuring her safety.

Ms Khan further alleged that the attack was a calculated attempt to intimidate her. She stated that the violence was orchestrated with the direct indulgence and instigation of her paternal uncle, Nazrul Islam Khan, to deprive her of her rightful ancestral property and to deter her from visiting the residence in the future.

Efforts to contact Nazrul Islam Khan for a statement regarding these allegations were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to multiple telephone calls.

Meanwhile, Mamunul Islam, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the Barisal Kotwali Model Thana, confirmed the legal proceedings, stating that one suspect has been taken into custody. He assured that police operations are currently underway to apprehend the remaining fugitives involved in the assault.

Contextual Overview of the Case

• The Victim: Nadima Mohammadi Khan (39), daughter of the renowned Supreme Court lawyer and human rights advocate Z.I. Khan Panna.

• The Incident: An assault by a mob of 25 to 30 individuals on Saturday evening at Sadar Road, Barisal.

• The Allegations: Extortion demand of 1,000,000 BDT, property dispute, and collusion with local drug peddlers.

• Legal Action: A case filed against five named suspects and several unidentified individuals; one female suspect arrested.