Islami Andolan demands arrest, exemplary punishment over attack on female activists in Khulna

The Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) has demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved in an alleged attack on the party's female activists during an election campaign in Khulna.

In a statement issued today (3 February), the party's Joint Secretary General and spokesperson, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, said a group of people carried out a "brutal attack" on female campaigners at around 11am in Lakkhikola village under Pankhali union of Dakop upazila in Khulna-1 constituency.

According to the statement, the attack took place while the women were campaigning in support of IAB-nominated candidate Maulana Abu Sayed. The party alleged that miscreants confined the female workers inside a house, verbally abused them and assaulted them with sticks and firewood.

Residents and leaders of IAB's Dacope upazila unit later rescued the injured women and took them to the Dakop Upazila Health Complex for treatment. Rozina Begum, head of the party's women's Dawati team, was admitted to the hospital as her condition was reported to be critical, while others received primary treatment.

Condemning the incident, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman said the attackers had "crossed all limits" and warned that the party's tolerance had been tested.

"We urge the administration to immediately bring those responsible under the law and ensure exemplary punishment," he said.