Habiganj: Habiganj municipality’s suspended mayor Golam Kibria Gaus, imprisoned over Shah AMS Kibria murder, has been attacked inside the prison.
Habiganj prison’s Jailer Shamim Iqbal said he was shifted to Dhaka in critical condition.
In protest against the incident, the BNP called a shutdown in the district for Sunday.
The party’s Chairperson Khaleda Zia condemned the attack.
After the incident, leaders of the party and its front organisations blocked the road in front of the jail in the morning.
Habiganj jail authorities said another prisoner attacked Gaus on Saturday morning.
His relatives and party activists rushed to the jail after the incident.
After meeting Gaus at the prison, district BNP’s Treasurer Enamul Haq said Ilias Mia, accused in a murder case, attacked Gaus with an iron rod.
“He is severely injured. He was bleeding.”
Jailer Iqbal said the incident took place around 9am, right after the Eid prayers inside the prison.
He said a doctor was called as the BNP leader was profusely bleeding.
The jailer said he would be given the required treatment.
Meanwhile, Editor of the daily, Ajker Habiganj, Ashraful Islam alleged that jail authorities’ had neglected Gaus treatment.
He claimed Gaus, who is the owner of the newspaper, was not given any medical attention for two hours.
BNP activist put barricade on the road in front of the prison at 10am.
The traffic movement from the district to Dhaka and Sylhet was disrupted.
At the demonstration, BNP’s district unit Joint General Secretary Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury announced the day-long shutdown for Sunday.
While exchanging Eid greetings in Dhaka, BNP chief Khaleda Zia condemned the attack.
“Even the prison is not safe now,” she said.
Golam Kibria Gaus was suspended from the post of Habiganj municipality mayor following a government order issued on Jan 5 after he was charged with the murder of former finance minister Kibria.
He surrendered before a Habiganj court and was sent to jail on Dec 26 last year.
bdnews24.com/RI