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From tailor to militant leader

27 May 2009, 18:00 PM

NATIONAL

Our Correspondent, Kushtia

Before joining Hizb-ut Towhid about 12 years ago, Chhana was a tailor at Barkhada Bazar in Kushtia. Hailing from village Harekrishnapur in Sadar upazila, all his family members are involved with Hizb-ut Towhid activities. When Chhana became a trained militant, he led several clashes in the area and was arrested several times but 'mysteriously' freed. Police said Chhana's mother-in-law Rabeya Khatun, 43, was killed during a clash between the Hizb-ut men and mardasa students at Jugia on the outskirts of Kushtia town on September 13, 2003. According to police record, the clash ensued when a group of madrasa students led by some local elderly people went to Rabeya's house and urged them to stop the outfit's secret meetings there. Enraged Hizb-ut men, led by Chhana, attacked the students leaving at least 25 people injured. Police arrested Chhana but he was 'mysteriously' released from jail to return to militant activities. Earlier on September 9, 2003, 45 people were injured when Hizbut men led by Chhana locked in a clash with locals at Poradah Bazar in Mirpur upazila in Kushtia. Police arrested 43 Hizbut activists including Chhana. Thirteen including Chhana were produced in court and sent to jail. But they all came out of jail and police say they do not know how they were freed.