United News of Bangladesh

A local leader of Jubo Dal, BNP’s youth wing, was stabbed allegedly by some Awami League supporters near a mosque at Iswarchandrapur village in Darshana upazila on Sunday night. The injured is Ripon Hossain, 45, a leader of Darshana Municipality unit of Jubo Dal and son of late Mannan of Iswarchandrapur village of the municipality. The victim’s family has accused several Awami League supporters in the area of carrying out the assault. Locals rescued Ripon in a blood-soaked condition and first admitted him to Chuadanga Sadar Hospital. As his condition deteriorated, he was taken to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. Mohammad Habibur Rahman Bullet, chief coordinator of Darshana BNP, strongly condemned the attack and  demanded the immediate arrest and punishment of the accused. BNP and its allied organisations staged a protest in Darsana town after Taraweeh prayers, calling for justice. Ripon’s brother filed a case at Darshana Police Station on Sunday night. The case cited prior enmity as the motive and identified the suspects as Awami League supporters. BNP leaders and the victim’s family said political tensions  escalated in the area centering the national election. The accused, Awami League activists  Hasem, 56, and Khairul Kamri, 45, supported candidates from Jamaat-e-Islami which earlier led to verbal disputes with Ripon. The alleged attackers could not be reached for comment. Dr. Sohran Hossain of Chuadanga Sadar Hospital, said Ripon suffered deep cuts in multiple parts of his body from sharp weapons. After first aid, he was transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for specialised treatment. Darshana Police Inspector (Investigation) Himel Rana said several police teams are conducting drives to arrest the accused. Following the attack, tension has risen in the area and police have stepped up patrols to maintain law and order, he said.