AL men assault Kaliganj UNO over parking dispute

Staff Reporter :
Leaders of the Awami League in Gazipur launched an attack on the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, his staff, and Ansar members after they were barred from parking their vehicles on Kaliganj Upazila Parishad premises. This incident resulted in six individuals sustaining injuries.

During the confrontation, the AL men hurled brickbats at the UNO office and election office, smashing window glasses. Police charged batons to bring the situation under control.

The witnesses said a group of 10-12 individuals led by Moktarpur Union Awami League leader Jakir Hossain and Union Joba League organising Secretary Foysal Fakir led the attack in presence of Moktarpur Union Awami League President and Moktarpu Union Parishad Chairman Alamgir Hossain when they were asked not to park their vehicles on Upazila parishad premises.

The injured individuals were UNO’s driver Rubel Hossain, members of Ansar Md Akram and Rezwarn, employee of Bangladesh Rural Development Board Liton Haidar, employee of Upazila Engineering Office Russel Mia and programme of Secondary Education Office Uzzal Kumar Shil.

Kaliganj Upazila administration officials and employees stated that a commemorative programme organised by the Kaliganj Awami League was arranged on the occasion of the 39th Shaheed Moyez Uddin Anniversary on the Kaliganj RRN Pilot Government High School ground on Saturday afternoon.

Various local leaders and workers began gathering at different locations for the event. Awami League presidium member Jahangir Kabir Nanak was present as the chief guest.

At that time, leaders and workers of the Moktarpur Union Awami League, led by the Upazila Parishad Chairman and the Union Awami League President Alamgir Hossain, rode on motorcycles and auto-rickshaws and entered the premises of the Upazila Parishad.

Initially, Ansar members responsible for security requested them not to park their vehicles inside the premises, but the leaders and workers became agitated. Being informed, UNO Azizur Rahman rushed to the scene.

The UNO requested the leaders and workers not to enter the premises with their vehicles as important persons including local MP will arrive in the Parishad. The advised them to park their vehicle in an open area.

At this, Chairman Alamgir Hossain became furious and engaged in a heated exchange with Azizur Rahman. A scuffle ensued as the leaders and workers tried to forcibly pull the collar of the UNO.

At that time the UNO office employees and Ansars come forward to rescue the UNO, but the Awami League leaders and workers attacked them.

The agitated AL men vandalise the UNO office and hurled brickbats at the Upazila Election Office, leaving a number of window glasses smashed.

At one point, police charged batons and disperse the agitators.

UNO Azizur Rahman said, “The chairman and his leaders and workers parked their auto-rickshaws and motorcycles though they were requested.

When they were told to park their vehicles outside the premises, the chairman became enraged and attacked us.”

He said that his office will register cases against the identified individuals who carried out the attack.

Alamgir Hossain, however, did not respond to the media when he was asked about the incident.

Office-in-Charge of Kaliganj Police Station Fayezur Rahman said, “After being informed, our police force reached the scene and brought the situation under control.”

He also said that they would take legal action if complains are registered.