A Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chatradal (JCD) leader was reportedly assaulted by local Jubodal leaders following a conflict centering soil digging in sand quarry in Rajshahi's court premise on Tuesday.
The victim JCD leader is Saifuddin Thomas, joint secretary of Godagari Upazila JCD unit.
Local people organized a human chain in front of Sheikherpara Sand Quarry, demanding effective action against those action in this incident.
According to sources from the Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner's office, Mokhlesur Rahman Mukul obtained the lease for the Fulbari and Premtoli-Sheikhpara sand quarries in Godagari upazila this year.
It was learnt that local leaders of the ousted Awami League government used to benefit from the sand quarry. After August 5, local leaders of the BNP took control of the area. However, in the meantime, several local BNP and Jubo Dal leaders became involved with this sand quarry. Mukul's brother Babu and nephew Sajim are looking after everything on his behalf. Sajim is a member of the Rajshahi Metropolitan Jubo Dal.
JCD leader Thomas said, " The local people have been protesting against the excavation of soil from the sand quarry. local BNP leaders and activists are also participating in this protest. Because of this, Faisal Sorkar Diko, Senior Joint Convener of the Rajshahi District Jubo Dal, called him and threatened him. When he informed him about the locals' difficulties, Diko became angry and threatened to deal with him. When I went to the Rajshahi court, Diko assaulted me."
Diko said, "Thomas had demanded extortion from the sand quarry using the party's name. That’s why I called him. Sajim, the nephew of the leaseholder, is a member of the Rajshahi Metropolitan Jubo Dal. I did not assault him." Sajim said that the public beat him up due to the extortion demand.
RH/MB
