BCL leader shot dead in Feni

A union-level Chhatra League leader was shot dead allegedly by his rivals over establishing supremacy at Takiabazar of Feni's Sonagazi on Saturday night.

The victim, Nur Alam Ripon, 26, was the cultural affairs secretary of Bagadana union unit of the pro-Awami League student body. He was the son of Shafikur Rahman of Alampur village.

Quoting locals, police said Bagadana Swechchhasebak League arranged a destitute feeding programme in Takiabazar area on the occasion of Independence Day. Some BCL and Jubo League activists became angry as former convener of Bagadana union unit Swechchhasebak League Mohammad Selim was not invited to the programme.

Selim, also a member of Bagadana union, along with some activists of Jubo League and Chhatra League gathered in Takiabazar area around 10:00pm on Saturday. In a show of dominance, they started moving around the area on motorcycles, said police.

They were shot at near Takiabazar and Ripon was hit, they added.

Later, Selim's men attacked the programme, spoiled the food and vandalised chairs on the Osmania High School field, locals said.

Ripon was taken to Sonagazi Upazila Health Complex. As his condition worsened, he was shifted to Feni Sadar Hospital where doctors declared him dead.

Mohammad Parvez, president of Bagadana Swechchhasebak League, alleged that the attack led by Selim was unprovoked.

Selim is a "follower of Bagadana union Chairman AKHM Ishak", who denied that the conflict was over establishing dominance.

He said he was not aware of the attack on the programme.

Humayun Kabir, officer-in-charge of Sonagazi Police Station, said they detained three people, including Selim.