Abdul Rashid Mia, a former commander of the Barguna district freedom fighters, has been assaulted in front of the Barguna deputy commissioner's office by Shawon Molla, son of former Barguna BNP president Faruk Molla.
A video of the assault has gone viral on social media, prompting widespread criticism.
The video circulating on social media shows a heated altercation around 11am on Sunday between Shawon Molla and Abdul Rashid Mia.
In the video, Rashid is heard denying involvement in any Awami League programs or corruption, while Shawon accuses him of various corrupt practices, referring to him as a “robber” and “corrupt.”
The situation escalated when Shawon physically attacked Rashid, and onlookers who tried to intervene were also pushed aside by Shawon.
Deputy Commissioner Md Rafiqul Islam commented on the incident, saying: “I have heard that there was an assault. It is concerning to see an elderly person being beaten.”
Abdul Motaleb Mollah, former joint general secretary of Barguna district Awami League, expressed his dismay, stating: “It would have been better if such an incident had not occurred with an elderly person. If he has committed any crime, there is a legal process for it. The situation is truly unfortunate.”
Leaders of Barguna BNP claimed that Rashid had received money from several leaders, including Faruk Molla, for including names in the district’s freedom fighter list.
They alleged that Rashid's recommendations led to the removal of some BNP leaders from the list, which reportedly prompted the altercation.
In response, Rashid said: “I went to the deputy commissioner’s office around 11am where Shawon Molla and others were present. Shawon called me outside and verbally abused me. Many people were present, and I will take legal action regarding this incident.”
Shawon defended his actions, saying: “The altercation happened because of derogatory comments about our party’s Vice Chairman Nurul Islam Moni. At one point, I ended up hitting him."
"Additionally, Rashid Mia had taken Tk3 lakh from me for including my father’s name in the freedom fighter list. He is known as a supporter of the Awami League,” he added.