The Muktijodha Complex in Narayanganj was allegedly vandalised by upazila Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Jubodal activists today (4 December), due to the presence of photos of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina inside the complex.
The incident occurred around 3:30pm. After the vandalism, the Jubodal activists allegedly took the keys of the complex from those in charge and handed them over to the police.
Photos and videos of the vandalism were circulated on social media.
According to eyewitnesses, the upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) and the officer-in-charge (OC) of the Narayanganj Model Police Station visited the complex in the afternoon. Shortly after their departure, activists, led by Ward 22 Jubodal President Sanowar, entered the premises.
The activists became agitated upon encountering Awami League supporters inside the complex. Their anger escalated when they discovered pictures of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina there, leading them to vandalise the premises.
“We received information that Awami League activists were holding a meeting inside. When we tried to verify the information and enter, we were initially denied entry,” Humayun Kabir, organising secretary of the upazila Jubodal, told The Business Standard.
“After forcing our way in, we found numerous pictures of Sheikh Hasina inside. We questioned how these pictures were still present there. Then, we removed all the pictures and vandalised the premises,” he added.
Kazi Nasir, a former deputy commander of the upazila Freedom Fighters’ Association, who was present during the vandalism, said, “We went to the complex for a Victory Day meeting and requested the UNO and OC to inspect it after a theft incident.
“Once they left, they [Jubodal activists] entered, destroyed pictures, and later informed the police, who took the keys.”
However, OC Tariqul Islam, said, “I haven’t received any news of vandalism. Only the pictures inside were removed. For now, the keys to the complex are in police custody. They will be handed over to those in charge later.”
