RAJSHAHI, JUNE 02 (V7N) – Five individuals have been injured in an attack stemming from an alleged attempt by a local BNP leader, Abul Kamal, to forcibly seize Hindu-owned land in Puthia, Rajshahi, for illegal pond digging. The incident occurred on Friday night in Goragachhi Hindupara of Shilmaria Union, when farmers attempted to stop the excavation.

Upon intervention by villagers, the pond diggers fled. Farmers subsequently vandalized an earth-cutting machine (excavator or bulldozer) and recovered several indigenous weapons from the site. The incident has created extreme tension in the area.

Abul Kamal, the accused BNP leader, is identified as the former Forest and Environment Affairs Secretary of Durgapur Upazila BNP and a presidential candidate for Nowpara Union BNP in Durgapur.

Puthia Police Station OC Kabir Hossain confirmed that police were deployed to the area on Saturday morning to control the situation and are monitoring to prevent any pond digging. He noted that a soil-cutting machine had been destroyed in a previous raid, but the diggers returned late at night. The OC stated emphatically that no pond would be allowed to be dug there.

An unnamed landowner in Hindupara alleged that local BNP leaders and activists had previously taken land from some Hindu families at gunpoint. The remaining land was strategically deeded to Sanjib Doctor, president of Shilmaria Union Secchhasebak League. Later, BNP leader Abul Kalam allegedly leased these lands from Doctor for 10 years. The landowner claimed that 5-7 bighas of land were taken by lease at gunpoint, while approximately 20 bighas were occupied for pond digging. Local BNP activist Asadul Islam was reportedly put in charge of supervising the work.

Abu Asad, convener of Shilmaria Union Krishak Dal, recounted that around 11 PM on Friday, Abul Kalam's group began digging with shovels. When local farmers intervened, Kalam's group allegedly chased them with weapons. Upon receiving news, Krishak Dal leaders and activists joined the farmers, chasing away the pond diggers and recovering some of their abandoned country-made weapons, which were handed over to the police.

Abul Kalam, however, provided a different account, stating that during the previous Awami League government's tenure, the lands were leased to Sanjib Doctor and his brother for pond digging, but the project stalled. He claimed Sanjib recently leased the land to him for 10 years, and he subsequently applied to the Deputy Commissioner's office, receiving instructions from the Upazila Executive Officer for necessary measures. Kamal asserted that he commenced digging with administrative permission.

Regarding the attack on farmers, Abul Kalam accused farmers' party leader Abu Asad of demanding a large sum of money. When the demand was not met, he claimed Asad's group attacked his people, vandalizing his vehicle and injuring its driver.

Asadul Islam denied any direct connection with the pond, stating he only provided manpower for the excavation.

At least five people were injured in the two-phase attack and counterattack, including farmers Shaon, Rabiul, Mostafizur, and the vehicular driver Rakib, all of whom were admitted to the hospital.

Puthia Upazila Nirbahi Officer AKM Nur Hossain Nirjhar reiterated that "no permission has been given to dig any pond in Puthia Upazila. The drive against these illegal pond digging is ongoing. No one will be allowed to dig ponds under any circumstances."

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