At least 10 injured amid late-night attack on Jubo Dal leader’s stage in Keraniganj

At least 10 people were injured in a late-night attack on the election stage of Rezaul Kabir Paul, senior vice president of BNP’s Jubo Dal central committee and Dhaka-3 constituency aspirant. The incident took place around 11:45 PM on Thursday in front of the Family Shopping Mall on Zinzira Main Road. Police from Keraniganj Model Police Station were later deployed at the scene.

According to witnesses, 50 to 70 armed individuals vandalized the stage, opened fire, and detonated bombs. Among those injured were Mohammad Dara Member, Tuhin Mia, Titu Ahmed, and Awlad Hossain.

The attack reportedly occurred amid rising tension between supporters of Rezaul Kabir Paul and Advocate Nipun Roy Chowdhury, president of South Keraniganj Thana BNP. On Friday afternoon, Chowdhury announced a counter-programme at Zinzira Eidgah Maidan for a prayer and milad mahfil for BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s recovery. Initially, Rezaul Kabir Paul’s supporters had planned their programme at the same venue, but following discussions with law enforcement, they moved the event in front of the Family Shopping Mall.

Rezaul Kabir Paul told reporters, “Multiple candidates can seek nomination in the same constituency, and programmes can be held anywhere. I organized a prayer and milad for Begum Khaleda Zia’s recovery. Despite relocating my program, armed miscreants attacked my stage with bullets and bombs. I strongly condemn this violence.”

Repeated attempts to contact Advocate Nipun Roy Chowdhury were unsuccessful.

Officer-in-Charge of Keraniganj Model Police Station, Monirul Haque Wablu, said, “A proper investigation will be conducted, and legal action will be taken against those involved. Additional police have been deployed at Zinzira Eidgah and Bas Road to maintain security.”