The house of Selim Pradhan, Chairman of Japan-Bangladesh Group, was attacked and set on fire by a group of assailants on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred in the Bhulta Saughat area of Rupganj, Narayanganj, allegedly due to a long-standing dispute. At least five individuals were injured in the attack, one of whom suffered gunshot wounds. The attackers also torched 50 motorcycles and vehicles during the assault.
Selim Pradhan, speaking at a press conference held at the Jahor Hossain Chowdhury Auditorium in the National Press Club on Wednesday, confirmed the attack and provided further details. He revealed that the assault was ordered by BNP leader Dipu Bhuiyan, also known as Mostafizur Rahman Bhuiyan, as part of an ongoing feud. Pradhan claimed that the attackers had also looted valuable items during the attack.
“I have learned from media sources that Dipu Bhuiyan is no longer with the BNP, but the attack on my house has made me feel deeply insecure,” said Pradhan during the press conference. He further elaborated on the background of the conflict, stating that during the last tenure of the Awami League government, former Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi’s associates had previously attacked and shot at his house. Pradhan also noted that in response to this, people in his area had formed a human chain demanding the execution of Gazi for his involvement in the attacks.
The latest attack, according to Pradhan, was orchestrated by Dipu Bhuiyan, a close ally of Golam Dastagir Gazi, despite Bhuiyan’s affiliation with the BNP. Pradhan alleged that Bhuiyan had retained influence over all sectors in Rupganj that were previously controlled by Gazi, who is said to have a significant presence in the area.
Narayanganj’s Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mehedi Islam, confirmed that there had been a previous conflict between former Awami League worker Mujibur Rahman and Selim Pradhan. The conflict stemmed from a rental agreement dispute involving Bismillah Aart in Rupganj. Islam suggested that this issue could have fueled the violence.
Pradhan, who had previously informed the police administration about the potential threat, expressed frustration over the failure of law enforcement to prevent the attack. “I took all necessary precautions and informed the police in advance, but despite this, my security was compromised,” he said.
The investigation into the attack is ongoing, with local authorities looking into the involvement of various individuals linked to the political feud. Pradhan and the other victims of the attack were present at the press conference, where they emphasized their concerns for safety and justice.
As tensions rise in the region, it remains unclear whether the attackers will be apprehended and if the political dispute between Pradhan, Golam Dastagir Gazi, and Dipu Bhuiyan will further escalate.
The public and local media are closely monitoring the case, awaiting further developments and responses from both law enforcement and political leaders involved.
