In a sensational incident in Begumganj Upazila, Noakhali, three teenagers have been seriously injured by masked assailants' gunfire. The attack took place last Saturday night in front of the Auto Rice Mill in Baraichatol village of the upazila. The injured, who sustained bullet wounds, were immediately rescued and admitted to the 250-bed Noakhali General Hospital, where they are receiving intensive care. This heinous incident has spread widespread tension, panic, and a sense of insecurity across the entire Begumganj Upazila, including the Bangla Bazar area, negatively impacting local public life.
According to local sources, the three teenagers who were shot are Sakibul Hasan (17), son of Md. Tohidul Islam Khokon; Md. Nadim (17), son of Md. Shipon; and Md. Saher (18), son of Md. Hossain, all from Baraichatol village. On the night of the incident, they were returning home from Bangla Bazar on a motorcycle. En route, several masked assailants, lying in wait in a CNG-powered auto-rickshaw, attempted to block their motorcycle. When they tried to bypass this sudden obstruction, the situation escalated.
Failing to stop the motorcycle in their initial attempt, the masked assailants suddenly opened indiscriminate fire at the motorcycle riders before they could comprehend anything. As a result, all three teenagers were shot, thrown from the motorcycle, and seriously injured. When the sound of gunfire and the screams of the injured prompted nearby residents to rush towards the scene, the attackers, perceiving the situation as unfavorable, quickly fled the spot. The timely intervention of locals enabled the swift rescue and hospitalization of the injured, which proved crucial in saving their lives.
Since the incident, a palpable tension and fear have gripped various parts of Begumganj, including the entire Bangla Bazar area. Local residents have expressed deep concern over the safety of themselves and their children following such an overt terrorist attack. According to them, the recent increase in such violent incidents has created public fear and led to a deterioration of the overall law and order situation. The general public has demanded swift identification and exemplary punishment for the culprits under the law, to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.
Habibur Rahman, Inspector (Investigation) of Begumganj Model Police Station, confirmed the incident. He stated that upon receiving the news, police promptly visited the scene and initiated a preliminary investigation. However, no written complaint has been filed at the police station regarding this incident so far. Inspector Habibur Rahman further added that if a complaint is filed, the police will take subsequent legal action and make every effort to apprehend the culprits. He sought public cooperation in suppressing such crimes and emphasized the importance of filing a written complaint.
It is noteworthy that last Monday, at least five people were shot in a firing incident at a wedding ceremony in Alaiyarpur Union of the same upazila. Two major shooting incidents within a few days in the same upazila have become a matter of deep concern for the local administration and the public. These incidents have raised serious questions about the law and order situation in Begumganj Upazila and have created a sense of insecurity among locals, affecting their daily lives.
Such reckless activities by masked assailants are negatively impacting public life. People are hesitant to travel at night, and a sense of fear pervades social gatherings. Local public representatives and civil society members state that the police must be stricter and increase intelligence surveillance to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. They fear that if swift and effective measures are not taken against the criminals, more serious mishaps could occur in the future, which could disrupt peace and stability in the area.
In the overall situation, it is extremely urgent for the administration to take swift and visible steps to bring the law and order situation under control in Begumganj Upazila, Noakhali, and restore public confidence. Demands have arisen from all quarters for the speedy recovery of the injured teenagers and the prompt arrest and exemplary punishment of the attackers. The restoration of peace, security, and the normal rhythm of public life in this area now depends on police vigilance and action.
