Zia Parishad confce foiled by BNP faction in Jessore

At least 27 people including Kazi Kamal, member secretary of Khulna Division Zia Parishad; its Jessore unit secretary, Jessore town BNP president and editor of local daily Amar Jamin Prof Abdur Razzaque, its publisher Dr. Mesbaur Rahman and photo journalist Jainta Bosu were injured.

The attack was the result of intra-party rivalry for nomination in Monirampur constituency in the next parliamentary election.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

The attackers allegedly looted the photojournalist's digital camera and other valuables and damaged his motorcycle.

Zia Parishad leaders said the attackers belonging a rival group of BNP also beat local journalist Jahangir Alam and 22 leaders and activists of Zia Parishad. The victims include Kazi Kamal, Jainta Boru, Abdul Jalil and Ripon. Three of the injured were admitted to Jessore Sadar Hospital.

The attackers also kept Dr. Mesbaur Rahman and Prof Abdur Razzaque confined to the conference room. Later, police rescued them.

Mesbaur Rahman blame Monirampur Pourashava Chairman and BNP leader Shaheed Iqbal for the attack.

Leaders of Jessore Zia Parishad at a press conference held at Jessore Press Club yesterday demanded immediate arrest of the attackers, return of the looted goods and compensation for the damages.

In a written statement, Dr. Mesbaur Rahman said he and other Zia Parishad leaders went to Monirampur following a green signal from the party high command. Local BNP leader Shaheed Iqbal deliberately made the attack to that they can not do any party activity in the area, he alleged.

Party sources said both Dr. Mesbaur Rahman, hailing from Jessore Sadar and Shaheed Iqbal are aspirants for BNP ticket in the next parliamentary polls.