bdnews, Sirajganj

Jamaat-e-Islami activists have allegedly beaten up a BNP leader in Sirajganj in a dispute over the collection of lease money at an autorickshaw stand.

The incident occurred in front of the main gate of the police station at Ullapara Upazila on Friday, Ullapara police Inspector (Investigation) Niamul Hoque said.

Immediately after the incident, the BNP leaders and activists took out a procession demanding the arrest of those involved in the assault. Later members of the joint forces brought the situation under control.

The victim, Azad Hossain, the former member secretary of the Upazila BNP unit, was sent to Bogura for advanced treatment.

Ullapara Upazila Jubo Dal General Secretary Nixon Kumar Amin said, “BNP leader Azad regularly visits the office of the Ullapara Motor Owners Association. This year, Jamaat and Chhatra Shibir leaders and activists got the lease of the CNG stand.

“On Thursday afternoon, Jamaat leaders and activists came to collect the lease and asked them to remove the pictures of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman from the office, triggering an argument with Azad’s supporters in the process.

“On Friday, after Jummah prayers at the Upazila mosque, BNP leader Azad arrived at the gate of the police station when Chhatra Shibir leaders and activists ambushed him. The attackers beat him with hammers and rods, injuring him before fleeing.”

He said the incident sparked a rally where protesters demanded the arrest of those involved within the next 12 hours, otherwise strong actions would be taken.

Responding to the incident, Jamaat President of Ullapara Upazila’s Panchakroshi Union Kazi Jahurul Islam Pinu said: “Jamaat has taken a lease of Ullapara CNG stand on Bengali New Year.

“When Jamaat and Chhatra Shibir leaders and activists went to collect the lease money, BNP leader Azad’s people beat them up twice on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. Azad was attacked due to that.”

Police Inspector Niamul Haque said a drive was under way to arrest those involved in the attack.