BNP Leader killed in attack by AL activists

A man has been killed and at least 50 others injured in an attack by Awami League activists on the vehicle convoy of SM Zilani, central president of the Jatiyatabadi Shecchasebok Dal, a wing of BNP in Gopalganj Sadar upazila on Friday afternoon.

The attack occurred around 5:30 pm at the Ghona Para intersection.

The deceased, Shawkat Ali Didar, 40, was the Sports Secretary of the central committee of the Shecchasebok Dal.

SM Zilani, his wife Rowshan Ara Ratna—president of the Gopalganj district Mahila Dal—and several others are among the injured. They were admitted to Gopalganj‍‍`s 250-bed General Hospital and the Tungipara Upazila Health Complex, while some are being treated in local hospitals.

The injured also include leaders and activists of the BNP and Shecchasebok Dal from Dhaka and Gopalganj. Channel I cameraman HM Manik was assaulted, and his mobile phone was stolen.

Due to their critical condition, SM Zilani, his wife, and other leaders were transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Sharif Rafiq Uzzaman, the convener of the Gopalganj district BNP, said that after a BNP rally at the Bhedgram intersection, SM Zilani’s convoy was en route to Tungipara to visit his parent‍‍`s graves. As they reached Ghona Para, 200-300 Awami League members set up roadblocks, attacked the vehicles, vandalized at least 10 cars, and assaulted those in the convoy.

Dr. Faruk Ahmed, residential medical officer at Gopalganj 250-bed General Hospital, reported that 16 injured individuals were treated at the hospital, with some in critical condition being sent to Dhaka.

Alimuzzaman, an Awami League leader from Ghona Para, claimed the violence was triggered by the tearing of banners featuring images of Bangabandhu and Sheikh Hasina, leading local residents to intervene.

Gopalganj Sadar police station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Anisur Rahman said the exact cause of the incident remains unclear but may be linked to a dispute over banners.

The body of Shawkat Ali Didar was found near Dola Pump on the Dhaka-Khulna Highway and sent to Gopalganj 250-bed General Hospital for post-mortem examination.