Barguna, July 23 (V7N) — A case has been filed under the Special Powers Act against 231 leaders and activists of the Awami League, including three former Members of Parliament, over an alleged attack and arson at the Barguna district BNP office.

The case was accepted on Wednesday by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Md. Moniruzzaman, who directed the Officer-in-Charge of Barguna Police Station to investigate the matter and submit a report.

The lawsuit was filed by Advocate Md. Shahidul Islam, Assistant Public Prosecutor of the Barguna district BNP and member of the Nationalist Lawyers Forum.

In his complaint submitted to the court, Advocate Shahidul Islam stated that on May 30, 2023, at around 3 pm, the attack on the BNP office in Barguna was led by former MP of Barguna-1 constituency, Dhirendra Debnath Shambhu. The group of 231 Awami League leaders and activists vandalized the office and set it on fire. They also destroyed a portrait of the late President Ziaur Rahman.

The complainant added that due to fear of government party members, he had not filed a case until now but stressed the urgency of exposing the truth.

The accused named in the case include Dhirendra Debnath Shambhu (former MP, Barguna-1), Shawkat Hossainur Rahman Rimon (former MP, Barguna-2), Sultan Nadera (recently former MP), Sahab Uddin Sabu (General Secretary, Barguna District Jubo League), Golam Sarwar Kabir (Chairman, Fuljhuri Union Parishad), Monirul Islam Monir (former Upazila Chairman), Siddiqul Rahman (President, Barguna Upazila Awami League), Shah Mohammad Wali Oli (General Secretary, Barguna Upazila Awami League), Akhtaruzzaman Bahadur (former President, Barguna Lawyers Association), among others totaling 231 individuals.

Regarding the case, former Barguna BNP President Nazrul Islam Molla said, “A case was previously filed over the vandalism of our office. At that time, I was unaware as my daughter had passed away. I have no knowledge about today’s case either.”

Advocate Abdul Wasi Matin, General Secretary of the Nationalist Lawyers Forum, Barguna branch, commented, “I heard that Advocate Shahidul Islam filed the case. It was done without consulting us. We will convene a forum meeting soon to discuss the matter.”

This development comes amid increasing political tensions in the region, highlighting the strained relations between the BNP and ruling party activists.

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