The counter of Hanif Paribahan in port city's Dampara area was vandalised yesterday, allegedly by a group of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) activists.

The owner of the transport company, Mohammed Hanif, who is now absconding, was given death penalty in the August 21 grenade attack case verdict on Wednesday on charges of conspiracy and approving plan of the attack.

“Chanting 'Joy Bangla', around 30 people entered the counter at 2:30pm and started vandalising glasses, television, laptops, furniture and other valuables,” said Mahbubul Islam, in-charge of the ticket counter.

“They told us that the owner of the paribahan is a convict in the August 21 case and so, they would not allow the paribahan to operate,” he said. He alleged that the men also looted Tk 50,000 from the cash box.

“The attackers are activists of Chattogram south district unit of BCL,” he alleged. “We have identified some of them,” he said without mentioning names.

“Mohammed Hanif has not had any relation with the company for the last ten years,” Mahbubul claimed.

While visiting the spot around 3:30pm, this correspondent saw that other than the vandalised counter, a banner under the name,  “Masterda Surya Sen Brigade, Chattogram”, was hung on the shutter. It read: “Bir Chattolar matite khuni Hanif-er paribhan  cholbena” (Killer Hanif's buses won't operate in Chattogram).

Law enforcers stood guard in front of the office.

Sheikh Nasir Uddin, officer-in-charge of Khulshi Police Station, said the situation is under control now. No case was filed yet and none was arrested.

Contacted, Borhan Uddin, president of Chattogram south district unit of BCL, said they did not have any such programme of vandalising Hanif Paribahan counter.

“I got back from Dhaka today [yesterday] and our general secretary is also out of the city now... I don't know who the perpetrators are,” he said.

“If any of our leader or activist is involved based on their decision, BCL won't take responsibility of the incident,” he added.

Meanwhile, the same group “forcefully” closed the counter of Hanif Paribahan in Shah Amanat Bridge area around 1:00pm, alleged Shahin Miah, in-charge of the paribahan's BRTC counter.