An elderly man in southern Bangladesh was allegedly tied to a tree and tortured for hours by local political activists because his son was associated with the Bangladesh Chhatra League, according to local residents and eyewitnesses, triggering widespread outrage and fear in the area.
The incident took place in Char Montaz Union under Rangabali upazila in the coastal district of Patuakhali, where residents say political tensions have intensified amid continuing unrest and reprisals linked to rival political affiliations.
According to allegations from local residents, the victim, Abdul Malek Hawaladar, was forcibly taken from his home and publicly tied to a tree under the leadership of local BNP leaders, including Char Montaz Union BNP President Nazrul Munshi and Ward No. 9 BNP President Kamal.
Witnesses and local residents alleged that the man was subjected to both physical and psychological abuse throughout the day in what many described as a “medieval-style punishment.”
Rabiul Islam, an eye witness, told The Voice that the victim himself was not politically active, but his son was allegedly associated with the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student wing historically aligned with the Awami League.
Local residents claimed the attack was politically motivated and intended as retaliation against families perceived to support the Awami League and its affiliated organizations.
“This was done only because his son was involved in Chhatra League politics,” one local resident told journalists on condition of anonymity due to security fears. “Punishing an innocent father publicly like this cannot happen in a civilized society.”
The incident reportedly spread rapidly across social media after video footage of the alleged abuse began circulating online, drawing sharp condemnation from local activists and community members.
Attempts to contact the accused BNP leaders for comment were unsuccessful. Local residents said some of the accused individuals had reportedly gone into hiding after the allegations became public.
The incident comes amid continuing political polarization and tensions in Bangladesh following the dramatic political upheaval that began on August 5, 2024, when then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was removed from office and an army- and Islamist-backed interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took power.
That interim administration ended following the February 12, 2026 national election, after which Tarique Rahman assumed power. The Awami League was barred from contesting the election, while Jamaat-e-Islami emerged as the parliamentary opposition.
Rights groups and political activists have continued to allege attacks, intimidation, and reprisals against supporters of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations, including the Bangladesh Chhatra League.
Human rights organizations have documented numerous incidents involving assaults, vandalism, arbitrary detentions, and public humiliation targeting political opponents in different parts of the country.
Bangladesh’s leading human rights organization, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), reported that hundreds of people were killed during violence surrounding the political transition in August 2024. Minority groups and political activists have also alleged retaliatory attacks in several districts across the country.
Local residents in Char Montaz said the latest incident has created deep fear among ordinary villagers.
“People are terrified,” another resident said. “If someone can be tied to a tree and tortured publicly because of his son’s political identity, nobody feels safe anymore.”
Following reports of the incident, a team from the local administration reportedly visited the area to assess the situation.
Members of the local civil society and community leaders have demanded a fair and impartial investigation into the allegations and called on authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
Local rights advocates say the incident reflects a growing culture of political vengeance and impunity in parts of rural Bangladesh.
Political analysts warn that such incidents, if left unaddressed, could further deepen divisions and undermine public confidence in law enforcement and democratic institutions.
No formal police statement had been issued regarding arrests or criminal charges in connection with the incident as of the time this report was prepared.
