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๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฉ Bangladesh /Elections & Politics

College Demonstrator Suspended Amid Allegations of Assault by BNP Activist

From Daily Star · (14m ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Aleya Khatun, a demonstrator at Daokandi Government College, has been suspended pending an investigation into an alleged sandal attack inside the principal's office.
  • Police are searching for BNP activist Shahadat Ali, accused of assaulting Khatun, who reportedly entered the college despite an arrest warrant.
  • College sources and Khatun allege that BNP activists demanded money, vandalized offices, and assaulted the principal, while Shahadat Ali admits to hitting Khatun after she slapped him.

The incident at Daokandi Government College, involving the alleged assault of demonstrator Aleya Khatun by BNP activist Shahadat Ali and the subsequent suspension of Khatun, paints a disturbing picture of escalating political tensions and lawlessness. The Daily Star reports on the temporary suspension of Khatun by the Secondary and Higher Education Directorate, pending a thorough investigation into the assault that occurred within the principalโ€™s office.

She was suspended temporarily in the interest of investigation.

โ€” The Daily StarReporting on the immediate consequence for Aleya Khatun following the incident.

The involvement of Shahadat Ali, a BNP activist reportedly evading an arrest warrant, adds a layer of complexity and concern. Eyewitness accounts suggest a confrontation that escalated, with allegations of demands for money and vandalism by BNP activists, culminating in the physical altercation. The fact that Ali admits to striking Khatun after she slapped him, as reported, highlights the volatile nature of the situation.

Asaduzzaman said neither was present during his visit, and their phones were switched off, but he later contacted them through alternative means.

โ€” The Daily StarDetailing the regional director's attempts to get explanations from those involved.

Adding to the gravity, Principal Abdur Razzak claims to have faced similar demands and harassment from BNP activists since his arrival. The absence of formal complaints from either Khatun or Razzak, despite the alleged severity of the incidents, is notable. Meanwhile, BNP leaders have issued an ultimatum demanding the removal of both Khatun and the principal, further intensifying the political pressure surrounding this case. The Daily Star emphasizes the need for a transparent and impartial investigation to ascertain the facts and ensure accountability.

The suspension comes after a video circulated on social media showing BNP activist Shahadat Ali, a fish farmer, hitting Aleya with a sandal inside the principalโ€™s room.

โ€” The Daily StarDescribing the alleged assault and the evidence circulating online.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.