Senior Correspondent | BengalNewsTwentyFour.com
Update: 0241 hours, March 8, 2025
Rajshahi: Tensions have erupted between two local groups in the Dargahbona area of Rajshahi city, spreading beyond the Dargahbona intersection to Upashahar Mor, Rail Gate, Sapura, and Shalbagan neighborhoods. This escalation has caused fear among residents, resulting in the abrupt closure of shops and business establishments along the roads. Pedestrians are in a state of panic, scurrying in all directions as unrest grips the area.
It was during this turmoil that incidents of cocktail explosions, vandalism, and the torching of three motorcycles unfolded. One of the individuals affected by this conflict was a journalist whose motorcycle was also set ablaze. Amidst the clashes, four individuals, including a member of the Special Branch of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police, were injured.
The injured parties include – Tohazzal Hossain, a member of the Special Branch of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police, Lovely Khatoon from the Dargahbona area, her six-year-old daughter Lamia, and railway employee Roni. Lovely Khatoon is also the co-sports editor of the Rajshahi Youth Women’s Team, while Roni is a commuter. Both Roni and Tohazzal Hossain sustained injuries during the conflict.
Following the incident, Tohazzal Hossain was admitted to Ward 8 of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. Lovely and her daughter were also injured at home during the attack, but after receiving initial treatment at the hospital, they returned home.
Eyewitnesses reported that the clashes began around 8 PM on Friday, stretching until around 11 PM. Upon receiving news of the unrest, police and military personnel rushed to the scene. Additionally, fire service workers arrived to extinguish the flames engulfing the motorcycles.
During the conflict between the two sides, three motorcycles parked near the roadside in the Dargahbona area were vandalized. One of these motorcycles belonged to Jahid Hasan Sabbir, a multimedia reporter for a local newspaper. He was at the scene collecting news when the clashes erupted.
Sabina Yasmin, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Media) for Rajshahi Metropolitan Police, stated that a preliminary investigation revealed that the clash occurred between two local groups affiliated with the BNP. Police and military personnel promptly responded to the situation, bringing the area under control. Security has been significantly beefed up in the area, and the situation is currently under control. Police will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident.
Prior to this incident, on Thursday night at 9 PM, a group led by women’s team leader Lovely and her supporters surrounded a multi-story building in the Dargahbona area. The building housed the family of Mustak Ahmed Babu, the joint editor of Awami League’s Jugma in Bawalia (West) Thana. Following the downfall of the Awami government, Babu and his brother Sabbir Babu were charged with assaulting students under the banner of Mustak Ahmed Babu. Lovely claimed to have seen Mustak Ahmed Babu entering the building, prompting a joint force operation. However, the security forces did not find Mustak Ahmed Babu during the first search. Nevertheless, they cordoned off the building. Sabbir Babu was later arrested during the second search. Today, local residents from both sides are engaged in conflict.
Bangladesh Time: 0042 hours, March 8, 2025
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