21 homes reportedly attacked, vandalised in 12 days in Kushtia village

Fear Grips Kushtia Village After Series of Attacks on Homes

Bdbusinessdaily.com – Residents of Nalkhola village in Kushtia Sadar upazila are living in fear after a succession of attacks, vandalism and alleged arson left at least 21 homes damaged within 12 days. The violence has also prompted some families to leave their houses and seek shelter elsewhere, while others remain reluctant to speak publicly because of security concerns.

Visible damage could be seen at several houses during a visit to the village on the morning of 27 September. Some homes appeared abandoned, with male family members absent. Women at a number of affected residences declined to discuss the incidents, saying they feared further repercussions.

The allegations include destruction of homes, shops and jute warehouses, as well as looting and demands for cash. Villagers said the continuing incidents have disrupted everyday life and created uncertainty for families trying to protect their property.

Dispute Followed by Escalating Violence

Tensions in the area intensified after the office of Patikabari Union BNP convener Abdur Rahman at Nalkhola Bazar was attacked and vandalised on 15 September. The confrontation followed a dispute linked to a mosque, a temple and a social matter.

BNP leaders and activists blamed several people for the attack on the office, including Patikabari Union Jubo League Vice-President Ruhul. In the days that followed, residents said property connected to people seen as belonging to the opposing side came under attack.

People in the village alleged that supporters of Abdur Rahman carried out the vandalism at at least 21 homes. They said a number of shops and jute storage facilities were also targeted, and some properties were set ablaze. Claims of looting have emerged alongside accusations that residents were pressured to hand over money.

One allegation circulating among families is that Tk1,000 was sought from each household in the name of meeting legal expenses. Such demands, if established, would add another burden for residents already dealing with damaged homes, displacement and concerns over personal safety.

The situation has raised serious questions about security in a rural community where households are closely connected and disputes can affect large numbers of people. For families whose homes have been damaged, the immediate concerns extend beyond repairing walls, doors or belongings. They also include whether it is safe to return, how to pursue complaints and how to avoid becoming caught up in further conflict.

Woman Who Filed Case Taken Into Custody

Police detained 65-year-old Nur Jahan Begum on 27 September. Her family said she had filed a case over an earlier attack on her home.

Her daughter, Selina Akter, said their residence had been attacked, looted and set on fire several days earlier amid a social and land-related dispute. Nur Jahan submitted a case to a Kushtia court on 21 September, and the court subsequently instructed the Police Bureau of Investigation, or PBI, to investigate.

Selina said the family had faced threats after the case was lodged. She described police arriving at the house at about 7:30am in two vehicles. Several officers, including female personnel, entered the home before taking Nur Jahan away.

You are the plaintiff in the case. The OC wants to speak to you.

Selina said those were the words police used before her mother was placed in a vehicle. Islami University Police Station Officer-in-Charge SM Mamunur Rashid was unable to immediately provide details about the detention.

Kushtia district police spokesperson and Additional Superintendent of Police for Crime and Operations Faisal Mahmud said Nur Jahan had been detained as a suspected accused in a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The detention of a complainant has added to the anxiety surrounding the incidents. Nur Jahan’s family maintains that she sought legal action after her own property was attacked, while police have identified her as a suspect under the anti-terrorism law. The PBI investigation ordered by the court remains an important part of determining the facts surrounding the attack alleged by her family.

BNP Leader Rejects Blame

Abdur Rahman rejected allegations that his supporters were involved in the attacks. He said Awami League leaders who had been staying out of sight were returning to the locality and becoming active again.

He also referred to the earlier attack on his office, saying it had been vandalised several days ago. Rahman characterised the allegations against his supporters as propaganda.

The allegations against his supporters are “propaganda.”

Competing claims now surround the violence in Nalkhola. One side links the attacks to supporters of Rahman after the dispute and vandalism at his office, while Rahman disputes that version of events and points to political activity by Awami League figures in the area.

For residents, the most pressing issue remains the safety of their homes and families. The reported destruction has left a visible mark on the village, while the departure of several families illustrates how quickly a local conflict can unsettle an entire community.

Need for Clear Investigation

The allegations involve multiple possible offences, including vandalism, arson, looting, intimidation and extortion. Establishing responsibility will require investigators to assess each incident separately, examine physical evidence, take statements from affected residents and evaluate the competing accounts offered by local political figures.

Residents who are afraid to speak openly may be particularly difficult to reach, yet their testimony could be significant in clarifying the sequence of events. A credible investigation would also need to address concerns raised by the family of Nur Jahan Begum, including the reported threats following the filing of her case.

As Nalkhola residents wait for answers, the damage to homes and the fear of renewed attacks continue to shape daily life. The coming investigation will be closely watched not only for possible legal consequences, but also for whether it helps restore a sense of security to families who say they have been forced from their own village homes.