Photo : Messenger
Tensions have escalated in Kumarkhali Upazila of Kushtia after the 12th parliamentary election held on January 7, with allegations of vandalism, looting, and assault emerging in the aftermath of the killing of Ziar Hossain (42), an activist affiliated with the boat symbol, in a rival faction's gunfire.
The situation has led to over fifty male family members fleeing in fear of potential attacks and arrests. Women and children are also living in a state of displacement, striving to safeguard their lives and honor. The turmoil unfolded in Ber Kalua village of ward number 8 within Kumarkhali upazila's Kaya union over the past few days.
Halima Yasmin, the wife of Abdul Khalek, the prime accused in the murder case, attributed Zia's killing to the election, stating that a case has been filed against 16 individuals, with four out on bail and 12 others behind bars. She further detailed incidents of harassment, house vandalism, and looting by the plaintiffs, compelling around 70 families to exist without male members. Yasmin urged for security and protection, illustrating the fearful environment that has forced her to seek refuge at her son-in-law's residence.
The conflict between Zia and his brothers of the Jelle group and former UP member Abdul Khalek and his associates had been a longstanding issue. Following the election violence, Ziar Hossain, a boat symbol activist, was fatally shot by opponents.
Independent candidate Abdur Rauf emerged victorious in the Kushtia-4 (Khoksa-Kumarkhali) constituency during the January 7 elections. The rival factions, with differing political affiliations, clashed, resulting in the tragic shooting of Ziar Hossain and his brother Altaf Hossain. In the wake of the incident, Ziar's brother Yarul Hossain filed a case, leading to the incarceration of 12 accused individuals, while four others secured bail. The resultant turmoil has compelled several families to flee, leaving the women and children vulnerable and in fear.
Defendant Mita Khatun condemned the house vandalization, looting, and intimidation, underscoring the need for safety and security for their group. The accused individuals in the murder case have been identified, and their residences have been targeted, leaving families in distress and prompting pleas for protection.
Responding to the situation, the plaintiff's meeting master and his associates refuted the allegations of vandalism and looting, denying any involvement in the reported incidents.
Kumarkhali Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Akibul Islam Aqib affirmed that legal measures will be pursued with regard to the reported vandalism and looting, emphasizing the deployment of police personnel in the area to ensure normalcy and public safety.
Messenger/Faria
