AL leader's house vandalised, parents assaulted in Rajshahi

An attack, vandalism and assault reportedly took place late at night at the home of Khaled Hasan Biplob, the banned Awami League district committee’s organising secretary and former general secretary of the Rajshahi University Chhatra League, in Kazla Notun Bou Bazar area of Rajshahi city. The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Saturday, according to Motihar Police Station OC Abdul Malek.

The OC said the attackers vandalised the house’s television, fridge, air conditioner and various pieces of furniture. Biplob’s father Helal Uddin, 62, was confined to a room, while his mother Khaleda Begum, 53, was assaulted. Three motorcycles at the house were vandalised and one was set on fire.

The family did not speak to journalists and has not filed any complaint with the police.

A neighbour who witnessed the incident said around 100 to 150 attackers arrived at the house around 11:30pm. As the gate was locked, 30 to 40 of them climbed the boundary wall, entered the house, went to the first floor and looked for Biplob. As Biplob has been in hiding since August 5, the attackers launched violence after failing to find him. Loud explosions were also heard. The attackers left around 12:30am.

After they left, the family called 999. A police patrol team arrived at the scene and advised injured Khaleda Begum to go to hospital, but she did not leave the house out of fear.

The OC of Motihar Police Station said police went to the spot that night. “The couple were assaulted and some items were vandalised. The assault was not very severe—mostly vandalism. We have asked them to file a complaint, but no one has come yet.”