Leaders and activists of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League have been accused of locking multiple educational institutions, government offices, and union parishads under the cover of night in Barguna's Betagi upazila. On the same night, incidents of arson occurred targeting a vehicle belonging to Betagi Municipality and another vehicle in the bus stand area. Amidst these events, reports emerged of a procession brought out by Upazila Chhatra League General Secretary Md. Sifat Sikdar as part of central programs. These consecutive incidents have triggered political tension across Betagi and spread anxiety among ordinary citizens.
It is alleged that under the leadership of Sifat Sikdar, General Secretary of the banned Chhatra League's Betagi upazila branch, locks were placed on various important institutions of the upazila during the dead of night. The locked institutions include Betagi Upazila Parishad, Betagi Government College, No. 1 Bibichini School and College, Putiakhali Adarsha Secondary School, No. 3 Hosnabad Adarsha Secondary School, Hosnabad Union Parishad, Mokamia Secondary School, No. 4 Mokamia Union Parishad, Kaunia Emdadia Secondary School, and Zamir Uddin Secondary School.
Meanwhile, a vehicle belonging to Betagi Municipality and another vehicle in the Betagi bus stand area were set on fire. However, it has not yet been confirmed who was involved in the arson attacks. Whether there is any link between the locking incidents and the arson remains subject to investigation.
On the other hand, a procession was brought out in Betagi as part of the central program of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League. Sources indicate that the procession, led by Upazila Chhatra League General Secretary Md. Sifat Sikdar, started from the bypass intersection of Chandukhali Bazar, with organization activists from various unions of the upazila participating.
Read nextBanned Awami League Leader Masud Rana Arrested in Sherpur Under Special Powers ActThe simultaneous locking of multiple vital institutions and the arson attacks on vehicles have raised questions regarding the administration's security arrangements and intelligence surveillance. Local conscious citizens have questioned why no precautionary measures could be taken in advance, given that such incidents occurred in broad night across so many government offices and educational institutions.
According to locals, it is necessary to examine the duty performance of personnel assigned to secure educational institutions and government offices, the functionality of CCTV cameras, and the surveillance of relevant authorities. At the same time, they have demanded the swift identification and bringing to justice of those involved in the arson of public assets.
In protest of the incidents, various political organizations have reportedly scheduled protest processions and rally programs. However, local conscious citizens believe that beyond mere protests, effective steps from the administration are essential to keep the law and order situation normal in Betagi and to ensure the security of public property and educational institutions.
Betagi Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Enamul Haque stated that legal action will be taken against the individuals involved by reviewing CCTV footage regarding the arson attack on the Betagi Municipality vehicle. Furthermore, regarding the institutions that were locked, communications have been made with the concerned parties to open the locks. Currently, the situation in Betagi remains normal.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Md. Sohel Rana, Barguna, Correspondent • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
