BNP leaders, activists accused of vandalising union parishad over Eid VGF rice dispute in Kushtia
Services at the union parishad have been suspended over security concerns
Local BNP leaders and activists have been accused of brandishing sharp weapons, issuing threats and vandalising a union parishad (UP) office in Kushtia's Mirpur upazila over the distribution of Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) rice allocated for the ultra-poor on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha.
Following the incident yesterday (19 May), service delivery activities at the union parishad have been suspended due to security concerns, causing difficulties for service seekers, confirmed Mirpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shahidul Islam.
According to union parishad sources, 10kg of rice was allocated against each of the 616 cards distributed among ultra-poor families ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.
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However, a dispute reportedly emerged between the union parishad chairman and local BNP leaders over the preparation of the beneficiary list. Although several meetings were held, no resolution was reached, sources said.
Allegedly, a group of Jubo Dal leaders led by acting president of Fulbaria union BNP Anis Mondol entered the union parishad office around 1pm.
They reportedly entered the room of the UP administrative officer, harassed him and vandalised furniture, including chairs and tables.
The accused also allegedly held a sharp weapon to the administrative officer's throat and threatened him. They were also seen displaying weapons inside the parishad premises, according to allegations.
Several CCTV footage clips of the incident later spread on social media, triggering widespread discussion and criticism in the area.
As tensions escalated, all service activities at the union parishad remained suspended from this morning (20 May) due to security concerns, sources said.
OC Shahidul said police are investigating the incident based on video footage circulated on social media.
"However, no written complaint has yet been filed with the police station by either party. Legal action will be taken if a complaint is received," he said.
