Staff Correspondent, Narayanganj

An alleged attack occurred in Fatullah over a land dispute, with claims that a businessman launched the attack after failing to buy a house and plot. At least 10 people, including women, were injured, and property such as homes and a private car was vandalized.

 The incident took place around 11 p.m. on Monday (May 12) at the residence of businessman Abu Shahadat Liton, located opposite the District Police Lines in the Masdair area of Fatullah.

 Victim Liton stated that they have been residing there for a long time. Businessman Shaheen Ibrahim owns adjacent land, which he rents out as a car garage. Both properties face the old Dhaka–Narayanganj road.

 A couple of years ago, Shaheen proposed buying Liton’s property, which Liton refused. Shaheen allegedly tried using ruling party activists to intimidate and attack them but failed. Currently, he is reportedly trying to seize the property through Mashiur Rahman Roni, the district youth secretary of BNP. On Monday night, following Shaheen’s instructions, a group attacked Liton’s house. They also assaulted Shaheen’s family and night guards and vandalized Liton’s car, gate, doors, and windows. Locals rescued the injured and took them to Khanpur Hospital.

 Liton said, “When the attack occurred, my whole family was asleep. We woke up to loud noise and shouting. Initially, we thought it was a robbery. From the balcony, I saw Roni and his group forcing the gate open. I called the police and went downstairs to calm them, but they didn’t listen and started beating us. They assaulted everyone who came forward. After the police arrived, they went to the nearby BNP office and vandalized it too. I will file a case.”

 Attempts to contact Shaheen were unsuccessful. Roni, the youth secretary, said: “Liton’s accusations are false. I have a good relationship with Shaheen as we live in the same area. I don't know what happened last night. But it’s true that a land dispute has been ongoing between them, with several mediations failing.”

 OC of Fatullah Model Police Station, Shariful Islam, said, “We have sent police to the scene and brought the situation under control. A police operation is underway to arrest those involved in the attack.”