A formal criminal case has been registered following a violent and brutal attack on three supporters of Abdul Hannan Masud, Senior Joint Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and the party’s candidate for the Noakhali-6 (Hatiya) constituency. The incident, which resulted in serious injuries to all three victims, has sparked widespread outrage and anxiety within the local community, while also intensifying political tension across the region.
The development was confirmed on Friday morning, 19 December, by Md Saiful Alam, Officer-in-Charge of Hatiya Police Station. In his statement to the media, he said the case lists eight named accused, along with four to five unidentified individuals. Law enforcement authorities have already visited the location of the incident and initiated a comprehensive investigation to uncover the motives behind the attack and identify all those involved. According to police officials, multiple teams are currently engaged in efforts to trace and arrest the suspects.
Police sources revealed that the case was filed on Thursday afternoon by Md Hasan Uddin, one of the victims who sustained severe injuries during the assault. In his written complaint, Hasan Uddin stated that he and his companions were travelling by motorcycle when they were deliberately intercepted by a group of assailants. Armed with sticks, iron rods, machetes and other locally manufactured weapons, the attackers allegedly launched a sudden and coordinated assault, reportedly with the intent to kill.
The complaint further details that Hasan Uddin suffered the most serious injuries, sustaining deep wounds from sharp weapons on multiple parts of his body. He is currently receiving medical treatment and remains under close observation. The attackers are also accused of looting cash amounting to 137,200 taka from him during the incident. Including additional damage and losses, the total financial harm caused is estimated at 187,200 taka.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Hasan Uddin alleged that the attack was politically motivated. He claimed that he and the other victims had been actively voicing support for landless and marginalised people in the area, which had angered a powerful vested interest group. According to his account, their ongoing political activism and campaigning on behalf of Abdul Hannan Masud made them targets of a carefully planned and deliberate act of violence.
Officer-in-Charge Md Saiful Alam described the assault as a serious criminal offence and emphasised that the investigation is being conducted with the highest priority. Preliminary findings suggest the incident may have been premeditated and linked to political rivalry. He assured the public that all necessary legal steps would be taken and that those responsible would be brought to justice without exception.
The attack occurred on Tuesday evening at approximately 6:30 pm in the Killar Bazar area of Madhyam Shullukia village, under Ward No. 5 of Charking Union in Hatiya upazila. The injured individuals were identified as Md Hasan Uddin, son of Md Omar Faruk; Emdad Hossain, son of Md Salauddin; and Rajib Uddin, son of Emran Hossain. All three are known to be politically active and had been openly campaigning in support of Abdul Hannan Masud.
Local residents have expressed deep concern over the incident, warning that such acts of violence are fostering fear and insecurity among ordinary citizens. Many have demanded the swift arrest and exemplary punishment of the attackers, stressing that firm action is essential to restore public confidence and ensure peace and stability in the area.