Betagi (Barguna) Correspondent

Chain locks and padlocks were discovered on the main entrances of several government offices and educational institutions in Betagi upazila of Barguna on Tuesday morning, following overnight vandalism allegedly carried out by activists of the banned student organization Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL).

Paper wrappings bearing the name of Betagi Upazila BCL General Secretary Sifat Sikder were found attached to several of the padlocks. Local sources indicated that the gates were chained and locked between late Monday night and the early hours of Tuesday.

Field reports confirmed that locks were placed on main entrances across the Betagi Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) complex, Betagi Government College, Bibichini School and College in Bibichini Union, Putiakhali Adarsha Secondary School, Hosnabad Adarsha Secondary School, Hosnabad Union Parishad building, Mokamia Secondary School, Mokamia Union Parishad building, Kaunia Emdadia Secondary School, and Jamir Uddin Secondary School. Posters of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were also pasted alongside the chains at several locations.

Kamlesh Chandra Sheel, an Assistant Teacher of English at Putiakhali Adarsha Secondary School, confirmed the incident, stating that staff discovered the padlocked main gate upon arriving in the morning. Upon receiving news of the disruptions, local leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), residents, and relevant institutional authorities removed the chains and padlocks to restore access.

Local residents expressed deep concern over the disruption of academic environments and demanded the swift identification and prosecution of those responsible.

Betagi Police Station OC  Md. Enamul Haq stated that law enforcement agencies are investigating the perpetrators behind the acts, emphasizing that police remain on high alert to prevent any further breakdown of order.