Sunamganj SP: Shalla youth involved with BNP

Sunamganj Superintendent of Police (SP) Md Mizanur Rahman has said that Jhumon Das, the youth whose Facebook post resulted in attacks on Hindu residences in Noagaon village of Shalla upazila, is associated with the BNP. 

He also noted that the charge sheet of the case would be filed in the shortest possible time. 

SP Md Mizanur Rahman disclosed this information at a press conference of Sunamganj district police at the conference room of the police super's office on Sunday.

In awritten statement, Mizanur Rahman said that Jhumon is associated with BNP and is the former joint general secretary of Shalla Upazila Chhatra Dal. 

After his arrest, Jhumon was sent to jail on March 17 under Section 54 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

"Police are investigating the incident keeping various issues in mind. Since the incident ensued from the Facebook status against Hefazat leader Mamunul Haque, the investigation started from there. There may be other issues involved," said SP Mizanur. 

He also said the charge sheet of the case in the incident of the attack on Hindu houses, vandalism will be submitted very quickly.

He further said everyone involved in the attack would be brought under the law and no innocent person would be arrested or harassed.

About the prime accused Shahidul Islam alias Swadhin, who was arrested on Saturday, the SP said, Swadhin had conflicts with Naogaon village dwellers from time to time. 

Police are looking into the matter, who is guilty and who innocent will be proven after investigation.

A temporary police camp has been set up at the village school after the incident. "It will remain there as long as needed," he added. 

Sunamganj Additional Superintendent of Police Saheb Ali Pathan, Sadar Model police station acting OC Md Shahidur Rahman, acting officer of the special branch of police Anwar Hossain, and others were present at the conference.

Police and locals said Hefazat-e-Islam Amir Allama Junaid Babunagari, Joint Secretary General Mawlana Mufti Mamunul Haque and several other central leaders attended a conference at Derai upazila on Monday.

Enraged by Mamunul Haque's speech at the conference, a young Hindu man from Noagaon village allegedly made a Facebook post on Tuesday criticizing Mamunul, who earlier opposed the sculpture of Bangabandhu.

Protesting against the Facebook post, the supporters of Hefazat-e-Islam brought out a procession on Tuesday night when the law enforcers also apprehended the youth the same night to pacify the crowd. 

On Wednesday morning, hundreds of Hefazat-e-Islam supporters carried out attacks on the Noagaon village with sticks and locally made weapons, while Hindus fled the area to save themselves.

During the mayhem, the attackers vandalized and looted the houses in the village.