Protesters vandalize Bangladesh government office over job appointment dispute

The office of the Fulchhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer in Gaibandha, Bangladesh, was vandalized on Monday during a protest demanding the cancellation of a list of family card information collectors. The demonstration, involving local BNP, Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, and NCP activists, along with disgruntled job seekers, escalated into vandalism of the UNO's office, including windows and chairs.

Protesters claimed that the appointments were made in collusion with Awami League leaders and activists, and that their party members were overlooked despite being unemployed. Zainal Abedin, Fulchhari Upazila Chhatra Dal Convener, denied his organization's involvement in the vandalism, stating their protest was peaceful. He expressed frustration that none of their party members were selected for the positions, alleging favoritism towards Awami League and Jamaat affiliates.

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Most of those appointed for gathering family card information are people affiliated with the fascist Awami League and Jamaat, as well as their relatives. None of our Chhatra Dal members who appeared for the viva were selected. Thousands of our activists are unemployed. We are involved in party politics, and we went door-to-door asking for votes to fulfill the promise of Tarique Rahman. Because of that, we deserve at least some priority. But not a single candidate from our party was named.

Fulchhari Upazila BNP General Secretary Abdus Salam Sarkar also disavowed the party's role, suggesting that deprived job seekers were responsible for the damage. He condemned the destruction of public property. The Officer-in-Charge of Fulchhari Police Station confirmed that agitated individuals vandalized property and stated that legal action would follow if a formal complaint is lodged.

UNO Mustafizur Rahman, who was not present during the incident, confirmed the vandalism and stated that 66 information collectors were appointed through interviews and skill assessments. He noted that the matter has been reported to higher authorities and that legal measures will be pursued against those responsible. Meanwhile, a journalist alleged that he was obstructed and assaulted by activists while attempting to film the vandalism.

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Damaging public property in this manner is unacceptable.