A BNP activist was allegedly hacked in broad daylight in Charghat upazila of Rajshahi on Wednesday afternoon.
The attack took place around 2pm in Ramchandrapur village. The injured, Biraj Ali, 47, is a resident of the village and a supporter of Abu Sayeed Chand, BNP candidate for the Rajshahi-6 (Bagha-Charghat) constituency.
Locals rescued Biraj and rushed him to Puthia Upazila Health Complex before he was transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH). Doctors performed surgery on his hands and legs.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Biraj alleged that a local Jamaat-e-Islami activist carried out the attack. “I was riding my bicycle when a man wearing a helmet knocked me down. As I fell, he attacked me with a machete, striking both my legs. When I tried to resist, he also slashed my hands. He fled on a motorcycle after I screamed,” he said, claiming the assailant was linked to Jamaat.
Dr Shankar K Biswas, spokesperson for RMCH, said Biraj sustained sharp-weapon injuries below both knees and on both hands. “One surgery has been completed. He is currently stable,” he said.
Shahinur Rahman, joint general secretary of Charghat Upazila BNP, described Biraj as a leader of the party’s farmers’ wing. “We have never heard of any personal or political dispute involving him. The attacker is likely from the same locality, as he appeared familiar with the area while fleeing,” he said.
However, Ayub Ali, secretary of the upazila Jamaat-e-Islami unit, denied the party’s involvement. “We have learned about the incident. He is known as a decent and non-controversial person. Some unidentified individuals carried out the attack. Jamaat-e-Islami has no connection to it. We have urged the authorities to identify those responsible,” he said.
Officer-in-Charge of Charghat Police Station, Helal Uddin Faruqi, said police inspected the scene promptly after receiving information. “We are investigating the matter and will take legal action accordingly. The situation in the area remains calm,” he added.