Woman killed while trying to save her son in Ukhiya

COX'S BAZAR, May 17: A woman has allegedly been killed in an attack by BNP and Chhatra Dal leaders and activists in Cox's Bazar's Ukhiya while trying to save her son during a clash linked to a dispute over the writing of the slogan "Joy Bangla" on a wall, family members said.

The incident took place in the Taipalong area of the Upazila's Rajapalong Union around 8pm on Saturday, said Ukhiya Police Station chief Mujibur Rahman.

The deceased, Saida Begum, was a local resident.

Locals said that graffiti stating "Joy Bangla, Joy Sheikh Hasina" ("Victory for Bangla, Victory for Sheikh Hasina) was written on the wall of the Taipalong Madrasa a few days ago. Local BNP leaders filed a complaint with the police station against some leaders and activists of the Awami League and the banned Chhatra League.

This sparked a back-and-forth discussion on social media. On Saturday evening, Chhatra Dal activist Jishan Sikder made a post on Facebook regarding the wall writing.

Mohammad Yunus of Taipalong area gave a "ha-ha" reaction to the post. The reaction sparked further tensions as Yunus was known in the area as a member of the banned Chhatra League.

It was alleged that, on Saturday night, some leaders and activists of the BNP and its student affiliate Chhatra Dal detained Yunus and began beating him.

When Yunus's friend and local NGO worker SM Imran tried to save him, he was also beaten.

Imran's mother, Saida, rushed to the spot after receiving the news. Her family alleges that she was also attacked while trying to save her son.

At one point, she fell ill on the spot. She was taken to the Ukhiya Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared her dead.    �"bdnews24