Four attackers broke into Kuddus' one-storey government quarters in Panchlaish Residential Area at around 3:30am and stabbed him indiscriminately.

Hearing his cries, family members and neighbours came forward in aid of Kuddus, also district and sessions judge for Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban, who served as the returning officer in the much-talked-about Chittagong City Corporation election.

Asked if his role in the May 9 CCC polls or in conducting trials in the CHT districts prompted the attack, Kuddus told reporters only a probe into the attack may reveal the motive behind it.

He suffered cuts in his right abdomen, left neck and shoulder, and both hands. After receiving treatment at Chittagong Medical College and Hospital, he returned home in the morning.

Family sources said the assailants attacked when Kuddus and his wife woke up for sehri (early-hour meal) for fasting on the occasion of Shab-e-Meraj.

Meantime, Kuddus said he sought security guards for his house about three months ago but no-one was assigned, reports UNB.

CCC Mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury, Chittagong Divisional Commissioner Mokbul Ahmed and high police officials visited Kuddus at the hospital and his house.