Gofran Palash in Kalapara (Patuakhali)

Immediately after the Chief of Army Staff General Waqar-Uz-Zaman confirmed the resignation of Sheikh Hasina in the media, offices of Awam League including two former state ministers, houses of leaders and workers, business establishments were attacked and vandalized, forcefully occupied, and set on fire at Kalapara in Patuakhali.

Besides, miscreants vandalized and looted the houses of two journalists. From Monday afternoon to Tuesday afternoon, miscreants ransacked and looted rural areas including two municipalities of the upazila, fishing port, rural market.

During this time, there was an incident like cutting the Awami League leaders and causing serious injuries and damage to their eyes. The injured have been sent to Kalapara, Patuakhali, Barishal and Dhaka for treatment.

Fearing more attacks and vandalism, at least hundreds of leaders and activists have fled their homes. The victims alleged that they did not get any help from the law enforcement agencies despite contacting them several times. Awami League blamed BNP for the attack and vandalism, but local BNP leaders say the attackers are not from their party. They were never seen in the team's long years of misery.

According to sources, after getting the news of Sheikh Hasina's resignation, the residence, market and ice mill of former state minister Mohibbur Rahman were vandalized in Kalapara city. After that, the homes and businesses of Awami League leaders including former state minister Mahbubur Rahman continued to be vandalized, attacked and looted. Gradually it began to spread from urban to rural markets and villages. Domestic animals are not left out of looting. Miscreants set fire and looted the house of Press Club President and Municipal Mayor Vipul Chandra Howladar. Press club president Vipul along with 5 members of his family were injured. Later, the former president of Kuakata Press Club, Nasir Uddin Biplab's home, business establishments were attacked and vandalized and taken over after looting. At that time, no remedy was found despite informing the members of the law and order protection forces. However, the former mayor of Kuakata Municipality Barek Molla and Kalapara Press Club president Vipul were rescued by the army members after the attack, vandalism and arson, the source said.

According to local hospital sources, Alamgir Howlader (50), Emon Ahsan (25), Nasir Howladar (50), Hossain (40), Sohag (42), Rabiul (25) were treated for injuries from Monday afternoon to Tuesday morning. Mannan (63), Moshareff (50), Ayub (68), Niaz (28), Vipul (60), Vikas (40), Minti (50), Saidur (35), Harun (45), Farooq (50), Frontier (38). Besides, many seriously injured have been sent from the hospital to Barisal for better treatment.

Kalapara Upazila Parishad Chairman and Upazila Awami League Secretary Abdul Motaleb Talukder said, "BNP cadres have vandalized and looted the homes of at least 600 Awami League leaders and workers." At least 30 offices of Awami League and allied organizations have been vandalized and looted, vandalism and looting continues. When the police were contacted, they expressed their helplessness.

Upazila BNP General Secretary Advocate Mojibur Rahman Chunnu said, "The attackers are not from our party." They were never seen in the team's long years of misery. Some may resort to vandalism out of personal anger. BNP will not take responsibility, they are opportunists.

Kalapara UNO Md. Rabiul Islam said, 'We have continued our efforts to maintain peace. We have already held a meeting with the local leaders and workers of the anti-discrimination student movement and the leaders and workers of the Upazila BNP. 4/5 executive magistrates of the district administration are performing duties at the field level.

Until filing this report was written, the presence of law enforcement officers to prevent attacks, vandalism and vandalism was not seen.