Agitated locals laid siege to the residence of Golam Rasul, MP for Jessore -4 and district Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, on Tuesday morning, protesting allegations that his daughter Mehezabin Jannat Ononna assaulted and behaved aggressively towards students of a nearby madrasa.
The incident took place at the MP’s residence in the Nilganj Supari Bagh area of Jessore city.
During the protest, demonstrators threw bricks and stones at the house, damaging several window panes. Golam Rasul and his family members were inside the residence at the time.
Police rushed to the scene and dispersed the protesters after the situation became tense. Additional police personnel have been deployed in front of the house, and the situation is now under control.
The protesters alleged that Ononna beat and threatened students of Al Madrasatul Sharia, located opposite the MP’s residence, on Monday afternoon. Following the incident, a settlement was reached between the madrasa authorities and the MP’s family through police mediation.
However, locals said Ononna confronted the students and their guardians again in the morning. At one stage, a lock allegedly thrown by her hit a guardian, Reksana Khatun, on the head, triggering anger among the guardians and local residents.
The agitated crowd then gathered outside the MP’s residence, attempted to break open the gate and threw bricks and stones at the building, damaging the windows.
Kabir Hossain, Muhotamim of Al Madrasatul Sharia, alleged that the MP’s daughter had repeatedly confronted the students.
“She beat the children on Monday as well. A settlement was reached afterwards. But on Tuesday morning, while the children were playing, the MP and his daughter confronted them again. At one point, she threw a lock that hit a guardian on the head,” he said.
Golam Rasul and his family remained inside the residence for several hours during the protest.
His wife, Sharmin Dina, claimed that their daughter suffers from mental health issues. She said that although the madrasa is officially closed, children frequently gather there and create disturbances, resulting in disputes.
She also alleged that false accusations were being made following the attack on their home.
Kotwali police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Masum Khan said there was a dispute between the MP’s daughter and madrasa students and guardians.
“Following the incident, locals surrounded the MP’s house. Police went there and brought the situation under control. Those with complaints have been asked to submit them in writing, and necessary action will be taken after investigation,” he said.
In a video message posted on Facebook after the incident, Golam Rasul said that the madrasa had around 250 to 300 students and that heavy crowds of students and guardians often caused congestion on the road.
He claimed that his daughter had been assaulted after she raised the issue and that his house was later attacked and vandalised.
"I told them that my daughter is mentally unwell, but they did not listen. Even so, I express my regret over the incident and urge everyone to resolve the matter through discussion and peaceful coexistence," he said.
