Shibir leader hacked to death in Gaibandha

A leader of Islami Chhatra Shibir was hacked to death and another person seriously injured in a clash over the election of the managing committee president of a government primary school in Gaibandha's Saghata upazila on Sunday.

The incident took place around 3pm at Bonarpara Chowrasta intersection.

The deceased was identified as Saifullah Bari, 22, president of Bonarpara Union Chhatra Shibir and son of Habibur Rahman of Shimul Tair village. The injured, Salahuddin, is a Shibir activist.

Bonarpara Union Parishad Chairman Nasirul Alam Swapan confirmed the incident.

According to police and multiple eyewitnesses, an argument broke out on Sunday afternoon at the Saghata Upazila Parishad premises between Habibullah, head teacher of Kachua Government Primary School, and Mukul Mia, convener of Bonarpara Union Jubo Dal, over the formation of the school's managing committee.

Saifullah and Salahuddin protested the incident. The dispute was later resolved through mediation by local leaders from both sides.

A few minutes after everyone left the upazila premises, Saifullah and Salahuddin were standing at Bonarpara Chowrasta intersection when Mukul Mia, his younger brother Palash, Bonarpara Ward BNP member Rabiul Islam, Jubo Dal leader Ashraf, and 8 to 9 others allegedly attacked them with sharp weapons.

The attackers allegedly struck Salahuddin in the neck with a sharp weapon, leaving him seriously injured. Saifullah was also critically wounded in the attack.

Locals rescued the injured and took them to Saghata Upazila Health Complex. As Saifullah’s condition deteriorated, he was transferred to Gaibandha General Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Confirming the incident, officer-in-charge of Saghata Police Station Mahbub Alam said the attack stemmed from a dispute between BNP and Jamaat leaders and activists over the formation of the school's managing committee.

"No one has been detained in connection with the incident so far. We are investigating the matter," the OC added.