Two female party workers allegedly assaulted by Jamaat worker in Rajshahi

In Rajshahi, two female workers of the women’s wing were physically assaulted by a Jamaat-e-Islami worker for campaigning for the Dhaner Shish candidate. One was allegedly beaten with sandals and the other kicked in the stomach.

The incident occurred last Tuesday evening at Asrafer Mor in Poba Upazila. The victims are Nilufa Yasmin and her sister Nurbanu Begum. The accused Jamaat worker is Nurul Islam, 55, from Ronhat Village in Poba.

On Thursday, at a press conference under the banner of Harian Union BNP and affiliates, the incident was disclosed. Also present were Poba-Mohonpur BNP candidate Shafikul Haq Milon, Mahmuda Habiba, joint convener of Central Krishok Dal Committee, Abu Kalam Azad Sweet, Vice-President of City BNP, and others. Poba Upazila BNP Secretary Professor Abdul Razzak read a written statement.

The statement said Nurbanu filed a GD at Katakhali Police Station that night. It added that on November 11, returning from campaign, Nilufa and her sister were approached by Nurul Islam, who demanded they campaign for the Jammat candidate. Refusing led to verbal abuse.

Nilufa said, “Nurul first beat me with sandals and hit my sister on the neck. Later, he ran and kicked me in the stomach.” The press conference also demanded his arrest.

Candidate Shafikul Haq Milon said political debates should not endanger citizens and no one can force party workers to campaign for another party.

Nurul Islam claimed he only pushed them lightly after a verbal argument.

Katakhali Police Officer-in-Charge Abdul Matin said the GD was forwarded to the court, and police will act upon court approval.