Convoy of MP Hannan Masud attacked in Hatia; 20 injured

At least 20 people, including several policemen, were injured as BNP activists, allegedly supported by Awami League men, engaged in a clash with National Citizen Party (NCP) followers after an attack on the convoy of NCP leader and lawmaker Abdul Hannan Masud in Hatia upazila on Wednesday.

The incident occurred around 12pm at Prokolpo Bazar in Chanandi union when the Noakhali-6 MP went to inspect areas reportedly affected by post-election violence.

According to locals and NCP leaders, the motorcade of Hannan Masud, NCP’s senior joint chief coordinator, came under attack by a group of BNP men assisted by Awami League leaders and activists, including Belal Majhi and Abdur Rahman.

They claimed that gunshots were fired at the convoy and an ambush was carried out, triggering a clash between supporters of both sides.

The NCP alleged that over 10 motorcycles were vandalised and five of their activists were confined during the attack.

Eyewitnesses said shops, motorcycles and a number of vehicles were damaged, and furniture inside a BNP office was also damaged during the violence.

Police said at least 20 people from both sides, including law enforcement members, sustained injuries during the mayhem.

Following the incident, Hannan Masud staged a brief sit-in on the road along with his supporters, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible.

Speaking to reporters, he alleged that around 50 BNP activists, led by Belal Majhi, attacked his convoy. “About 20-25 of my activists were injured, and I was hit by a stone. Law enforcers failed to act against these terrorists before or after the election,” he said, adding that Belal Majhi previously attacked former MP Fazlul Azim in 2018.

Hannan Masud also claimed that the attackers vandalised and looted 15-20 of their motorcycles.

“I will not leave the area until the attackers are brought to justice,” he said.

However, the BNP denied the allegations.

Chanandi union BNP President Mahbubur Rahman claimed that the MP delivered a provocative speech at the market and alleged that his supporters first vandalised the BNP office and nearby businesses.

He said at least 12 BNP activists were injured in the attack by the MP’s followers.

Officer-in-charge of Hatia Police Station said the situation is now under control and additional police personnel were deployed in the area.

Additional Superintendent of Police Abu Taib Md Arif Hossain said multiple police teams were sent to the spot. “We will comment after verifying the details of the incident,” he added.