The incident occurred on Tuesday (July 14) around 10 am during the election of Santhia Press Club.
Victim Abdud Dain Sarkar alleged that when he went to cast his vote in the Press Club election, Bokul Hossain, convener of NCP's Santhia upazila branch, his younger brother Mizanur Rahman Ful, president of upazila JASAS, and Thandu, along with 8 to 10 people, launched a sudden attack on him.
He claimed that the attackers punched, kicked, and beat him, and tore his shirt and vest. Later, colleagues rescued him and arranged for primary treatment.
Among the accused, Bokul Hossain and Mizanur Rahman Ful are residents of Pipulia village in Santhia upazila. The other accused, Thandu, is reportedly a resident of Mahmudpur village.
Regarding the allegation, Bokul Hossain, convener of NCP's Santhia upazila branch, said that before August 5, Abdud Dain Sarkar was the president of Santhia Theatre. At that time, there was an allegation of embezzlement of Tk 50,000 against him. He claimed that a scuffle occurred with Mizanur Rahman Ful and his men over demanding that money back and a personal dispute.
Bokul Hossain stated that he rather tried to control the situation to prevent any disorder.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Santhia Police Station, Anisur Rahman, said that upon receiving the news, police immediately went to the spot. Legal action will be taken if a written complaint is received.
Superintendent of Police of Pabna, Md. Sufi Ullah, also said that he has been informed about the incident. Necessary legal action will be taken if a complaint is received.
Meanwhile, Pabna Press Club has condemned and protested the attack on the veteran journalist and teacher. In a statement, Press Club President Akhtaruzzaman Akhtar and General Secretary Jahurul Islam demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the accused.
