A man was seriously injured in an alleged machete attack in Bangladesh’s Shariatpur district, with supporters claiming the assault was linked to his son’s involvement in student politics.
The victim is the father of Sajit Molla, a district-level leader of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing affiliated with the Awami League. Authorities have not yet released detailed information about the victim’s condition or identity.
The incident has sparked concern among political observers amid growing allegations of politically motivated violence targeting relatives of political activists.
According to local sources, the victim was attacked and critically wounded by unidentified assailants. As of Sunday, law enforcement agencies had not issued a detailed official statement regarding the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The case drew wider attention after Awami League supporters condemned the incident on social media, alleging that the victim was targeted because of his son’s political affiliation with the Chhatra League.
“Political identity is now extending to family members,” one supporter wrote online, warning that such incidents risk deepening political polarization and unrest in the country.
The online discussion also referenced a recent incident in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, where a woman was reportedly killed while attempting to protect her son during an alleged politically linked attack.
Political analysts say the targeting of family members marks a troubling escalation in partisan tensions.
“Political rivalry should never involve ordinary family members,” several analysts said, urging all sides to avoid retaliatory rhetoric and seek legal remedies through lawful channels.
Some social media reactions to the Shariatpur incident included inflammatory language and calls for revenge, prompting concerns that such rhetoric could further fuel tensions and violence.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether any arrests have been made. Calls for a transparent investigation and swift legal action against those responsible continue to grow.
