TBM Report
A wave of political violence has erupted in Rajapur, Jhalokathi, where three women were brutally attacked for allegedly voting for the ‘Scale’ symbol of Jamaat-e-Islami. The victims’ family filed a lawsuit in the Jhalokathi Court on Monday, naming local leaders associated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as the primary attackers. The incident highlights the growing tension between personal land disputes and shifting political dynamics following the recent general election.
According to the complaint, the attack was led by local figures Monir Kazi and Zakir Kazi, who targeted Sufia Begum, Morium Begum, and Taslima Begum. The underlying cause traces back to a long-standing land dispute between the families of the late Nazem Ali Munshi and the Kazis. However, the situation turned violent after the BNP’s electoral victory, as the attackers accused the women of backing the opposition. The victims were rescued by police after family members contacted the national emergency hotline (999) and were subsequently admitted to Rajapur Upazila Health Complex.
One victim, Morium Begum, remains hospitalized due to severe injuries, while the others were released after receiving primary care. Rajapur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Nazrul Islam stated that the department is awaiting a formal written complaint to proceed with strict legal action. Currently, the area remains tense, with security forces maintaining a high alert to prevent further escalation. Human rights advocates have condemned the attack, stressing that political affiliation should never lead to physical violence, especially against women.
