Two people were allegedly hacked with sharp weapons and at least seven others were injured in an attack in Chandradwip Union of Bauphal upazila, Patuakhali. Among the injured, Shahin Rari and Mainuddin are reportedly in critical condition.

The incident took place around 9pm on Monday (August 10) at the Char Raysahib Bazar area of the union.

The injured were identified as Shahin Rari, Mainuddin, Sohel Rari, Mamun, Yunus, Momtaz and Rani Begum. Local residents rescued the injured and took them to Bauphal Upazila Health Complex. Shahin Rari and Mainuddin were later admitted to the hospital.

The injured alleged that a group of 15 to 20 people, led by Saiful Sharif, general secretary of the union unit of Jamaat’s Sramik Kalyan Federation, attacked them. The group allegedly included Sohag, Sakib Hawlader, Alamin Chowkidar and Arikul Chowkidar. According to the injured, Shahin Rari and Mainuddin were hacked with sharp weapons during the attack, while others who came forward to rescue them were also beaten.

Injured businessman Shahin Rari alleged that the attackers took Tk 50,000 from him during the incident. He said he was carrying the money after returning from Kalaia Bazar, where he had sold a piece of land.

Mainuddin said that buffaloes belonging to local farmers had damaged bamboo fishing traps belonging to fishermen from the Mominpur area while grazing in Lalchar, north of their settlement. Later, some money was collected from the farmers as compensation and handed over to the fishermen.

According to Mainuddin, Ward Jamaat President Sohag and Sramik Kalyan Federation General Secretary Saiful Sharif became angry over the incident. He claimed that the attack was carried out as a continuation of that dispute.

However, local resident Sima Begum claimed that Shahin Rari and Mainuddin had been involved in a political dispute with the attackers since the election. She alleged that Shahin Rari was specifically targeted because of his involvement in BNP politics.

Meanwhile, another local resident, Poly Begum, alleged that some of the attackers had previously been involved in Awami League politics. She further alleged that after the fall of the government, they joined Jamaat and have been creating fear in the area through alleged drug dealing and other activities. However, these allegations could not be independently verified.

No accused person was found at the scene when the area was visited after the incident. Several attempts were made to contact Saiful Sharif by phone, but his statement could not be obtained.

Tension has reportedly prevailed in the area following the incident. Relatives of the injured and local residents have demanded that those involved in the attack be identified and brought to justice promptly.

Bauphal Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Sirajul Islam said he had visited the scene and found preliminary evidence confirming the incident. He said legal action would be taken accordingly.