In the early hours of Thursday morning, 1 January 2026, the Barishal district office of the Workers’ Party, situated on Fakirbari Road, was subjected to significant vandalism and looting. The single-storey section of the two-storey tin-roofed building sustained extensive damage, according to party officials.
Leaders of the Workers’ Party allege that the incident was prompted by a rental dispute with the property owner. The ground floor houses not only the Workers’ Party but also offices for affiliated organisations including Chhatra Maitree, Jubo Maitree, and the National Labour Federation. The upper floor accommodates the Ganashilpi Sangstha office.
The party’s statement reveals that since 5 August 2024, rent payments had been made via cash or mobile banking, as the property owner—Nizamul Haque, a former councillor of Ward No. 17 and convener of the Barishal City Jubo League—has been in hiding. However, the rent for the past month was reportedly unpaid. Citing this, Nizamul Haque’s son, Md. Tamim, accompanied by several unidentified individuals, allegedly carried out the destruction at approximately 8:00 a.m. on Thursday.
According to the Workers’ Party, furniture and equipment including chairs, tables, stand fans, and ceiling fans were damaged or stolen, causing losses estimated in the hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshi Taka.
S. M. Najrul Haque, President of the Barishal District Committee of the Workers’ Party, filed a written complaint with the Barishal Kotwali Model Police Station. “We have been conducting peaceful political activities for nearly four decades, with rent paid regularly. All rental documents are in our possession,” he stated.
Zakir Hossain, President of the Barishal Labour Federation, condemned the attack, saying, “Vandalising a political office without prior notice is illegal and reprehensible. We demand a proper investigation and legal action against those responsible.”
Police officials, however, have characterised the incident as a property dispute rather than a political attack. Al Mamun Ul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Barishal Kotwali Model Police Station, confirmed that the site had been inspected and a written complaint lodged, adding, “A lawful investigation is underway and appropriate action will be taken upon conclusion.”
The following table summarises the key facts of the incident:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | 1 January 2026, 8:00 a.m. |
| Location | Fakirbari Road, Barishal |
| Affected Building | Two-storey tin-roofed structure |
| Organisations Impacted | Workers’ Party, Chhatra Maitree, Jubo Maitree, National Labour Federation |
| Damaged Items | Chairs, tables, stand fans, ceiling fans, and other office equipment |
| Alleged Perpetrators | Md. Tamim (son of Nizamul Haque) and unidentified accomplices |
| Police Response | Site inspected, written complaint received, investigation ongoing |
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of maintaining security at political offices and adhering strictly to rental agreements to prevent disputes escalating into property damage.