Banned Awami League leader severely injured in Patuakhali attack

A local leader of the banned political party Awami League sustained critical injuries following a violent attack allegedly carried out by rival political activists in Patuakhali district. The incident took place yesterday on Saturday around 6:30 in the evening at the Chourasta area located under Baliatali union within Kalapara upazila.

The victim has been identified as Shah Alam Molla, who serves as a ward committee president for the banned Awami League organization. According to family accounts provided by his daughter-in-law Runa বেগম, the assault occurred while preparations were underway for a somber family religious observance.

Runa বেগম explained that Sunday marks the death anniversary of her son, prompting the family to organize a prayer and milad gathering at their home. She stated that her father-in-law, Shah Alam Molla, had gone to the Baliatali Chourasta market specifically to purchase items needed for the upcoming prayer ceremony.

While he was at the market, individuals identified as BNP activists Rumman, Touhid, and Din Islam, along with a group of seven to eight others, allegedly received word of his presence. Runa বেগম recounted that the group rushed to the Chourasta area and initially began beating her father-in-law before escalating the violence.

During the assault, the attackers reportedly used a tree log to break the right ankle of Shah Alam Molla. In addition to the severe fracture to his leg, the physical beating left multiple injuries scattered across his body and head, according to the family member's detailed account of the violent episode.

Following the attack, the injured Awami League leader was rushed to the Kalapara Upazila Health Complex for urgent medical attention. Puli Saha, a medical professional at the facility, noted that the patient sustained injuries to both his body and head, but emphasized that the trauma inflicted upon his right foot was particularly severe.

Due to the critical nature of his condition, medical staff at the health complex arranged for his immediate transfer to the Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal to receive necessary advanced medical care.

Meanwhile, local political figures have denied any involvement in the violent incident. Mujibur Rahman rejected the allegations entirely, stating that none of his people were connected to the attack and claiming ignorance regarding the perpetrators, while asserting that Shah Alam Molla leveled the accusations to gain political leverage.

Authorities are monitoring the situation as the injured leader continues receiving medical treatment in Barishal, while local law enforcement agencies from the Kalapara police station investigate the circumstances surrounding the clash.