Khagrachhari sees face-off between AL men, officials

A section of leaders and activists of ruling Awami League and its associate organisations have engaged in face-off with government officials and law enforcers in the district.

During the last few months, activists of Chhatra League and Jubo League assaulted and injured quite a few government officials and policemen while some officials were transferred outside the district allegedly for failing to serve the purposes of ruling party men.

Locals including a few political activists said such acts aim at ensuring a 'safe environment' for extortion, tender manipulation and nepotism through politicisation of the administration.

At least five cases were filed with three police stations accusing a number of Chhatra League and Jubo League activists of attacking police and government officials.

On July 22 this year, five policemen including Sub Inspector Mohammad Aktaruzzaman were injured as they came under attack allegedly by Jubo League men at Shalbagun in Khagrachhari Sadar upazila.

With serious stab injuries, Aktaruzzaman had to remain hospitalised for over two months.

In early September, the officers in charge of Sadar and Matiranga police stations were assaulted and later transferred as they failed to comply with the 'suggestion' of AL leaders.

On October 14, AL and Jubo League leaders assaulted Executive Magistrate Mohammad Joynal Abedin on the premises of Marma Unnayan Sangsad in Khagrachhari town, where he went to conduct a mobile court drive.

AL men also assaulted another Executive Magistrate Moshiur Rahman when he was on such a drive.

On November 8, BCL cadres attacked Dighinala Police Station and injured two policemen including Sub-Inspector Mohammad Mizanur Rahman and Constable Mostafa Mia. They also assaulted Dighinala Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Moniruzzaman Mia who went to the spot to bring the situation under control.

Two separate cases were filed with Dighinala Police Station accusing some BCL activists on charge of attacking police, assaulting government officials and ransacking local BNP office.

On November 2, Jubo League leaders and activists assaulted the UNO and assistant commissioner (Land) and injured five other government staffs at Ramgarh Upazila Complex in Khagrachhari district.

When contacted, district AL Vice President Rono Bikrom Tripura admitted the incidents.

Terming those as 'unexpected', he said, "We will take organisational decision against those culprits."

Five cases were filed against hundreds of men of the ruling party and its associate organisations for the incidents, Superintendent of Police Amir Jafar said.

"Police have already arrested several Chhatra League and Jubo League leaders on charge of attacking government officials. I expect to net more culprits involved with the incidents," he said.

"The district administration has asked police to take stern action against the perpetrators. We have informed Awami League leaders including local lawmaker Zatindra Lal Tripura of the heinous incidents and urged them to take punitive measures against the responsible political leaders and activists," said Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Abdullah.