BNP expels Durgapur leader after party men attack college, beat up principal, teachers

BNP activists have allegedly stormed a government college during an ongoing examination in Rajshahi's Durgapur upazila, vandalised the administrative office, and assaulted the principal and several teachers, prompting the party to expel a local leader over the incident.

Akbar Ali, vice-president of Joynogor union BNP under Durgapur, has been expelled from all levels of party positions, including his primary membership, over the incident at Daokandi Government College, according to a notice signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today (24 April).

The expulsion notice cited Akbar's involvement in activities contrary to party principles, ideology and discipline as grounds for the decision.

The incident occurred at around 2:30pm yesterday while the 2024 Degree Second Year examinations were underway.

The attack is believed to have been triggered by disputes over financial records and alleged extortion demands. The principal and a lecturer alleged that various groups claiming BNP affiliation had repeatedly visited the college demanding large sums of money and financial settlements – essentially extortion.

A local BNP leader, however, claimed the college had long been run by an upazila Awami League leader, alleging irregularities in teacher recruitment and financial corruption, and said the incident began after a teacher assaulted BNP activists.

Section 144 had been imposed within the college premises and its surrounding 100 yards, with police deployed since morning, according to Inspector Rafiqul Islam.

Eyewitnesses, police, teachers and students said a group of local BNP activists entered the principal's office in the afternoon.

A verbal altercation with the principal and other teachers escalated into physical assault as the attackers allegedly beat several teachers and carried out extensive vandalism inside the administrative office, they added.

Those injured include Principal Abdul Razzak, Lecturer Aleya Khatun Hira, Professor Rezaul Karim Alam and two other staff members. The condition of Abdul Razzak and Aleya Khatun Hira is reported to be critical.

After the attackers left the scene, other teachers rescued the injured and took them to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for treatment.

Earlier, according to reports, upon receiving information about a possible attack, the officer-in-charge (OC) of Durgapur Police Station, along with additional police forces, visited the college.

Following the attack, tension spread across the entire campus, creating panic among students appearing for the examination.

Several teachers assigned to examination duties, along with students and injured staff, fled the premises in fear for their safety.

Witnesses said police personnel, including the OC, remained largely passive and silent throughout the assault.

The injured teachers alleged that around 40 to 50 leaders and activists from local and union-level BNP and its affiliated organisations participated in the attack, including Akbar Ali, vice-president of Joynogor union BNP; Afaz Ali, senior vice-president of the BNP in Ward No 2 of Joynogor's Brahmapur village; Shahad Ali, a union BNP leader and fish trader; Zaynal Ali, president of Joynogor union Krishak Dal; Ejdar Ali, president of Ward No 4 Daokandi BNP; Rustam Ali, former vice-president of Joynogor Chhatra Dal; and Chhatra Dal leader Jaminur Islam Joy.

They said Inspector (Investigation) Rafiqul Islam of Durgapur Police Station was present at the scene during the incident, but the attack occurred despite his presence.

Police attempted to bring the situation under control but were not fully successful, according to the sources.

Principal Abdul Razzak said that since taking charge, he has faced repeated demands for large sums of money from different groups claiming affiliation with the BNP.

The principal added that he was not well acquainted with the attackers.

Lecturer Aleya Khatun Hira alleged that various groups have frequently visited the college demanding accounts and financial settlements, which she said were essentially demands for extortion.

Aleya stated that supporting the principal was portrayed as her wrongdoing.

A local BNP leader, requesting anonymity, claimed that the college was previously under the long-term leadership of upazila Awami League General Secretary Mozammel Haque, during which he alleged irregularities in teacher recruitment and corruption involving the sale of land and trees.

He said that when BNP activists sought financial records, they were not provided and were instead intimidated.

He also claimed that the incident began after a teacher assaulted BNP activists, which triggered retaliation.

Inspector Rafiqul said, "Upon receiving information about a potential incident, police attempted to mediate between teachers and BNP activists through repeated discussions. However, despite police presence and intervention, some individuals forcibly entered the premises and carried out the attack and vandalism."

He added, "The current situation reflects how helpless and constrained police personnel can sometimes become."

He said legal action will be taken upon receipt of a written complaint following consultation with higher authorities.