admin
At least eight people, including members of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Students Against Discrimination (SAD), were injured in an alleged attack in Ashulia’s Shimulia area after they reportedly opposed the illegal operation of a lead-producing factory.
The incident occurred around midnight on Wednesday (May 14), shortly after the activists had alerted local authorities about the factory’s activities, which allegedly involved burning used batteries to extract lead — a practice banned due to its serious environmental and health risks.
According to the victims, the group had visited the factory and questioned its operation, which was previously shut down by the upazila administration for lacking proper authorization. They said they were asked to leave and warned not to interfere. While returning from the site, they were reportedly ambushed by a group of attackers armed with local weapons who intercepted their vehicle and launched a violent assault.
Among the injured are Rifat Ahmed Emon, central organizer of NCP’s Labour Wing; Tawhidul Islam Sanvi, SAD joint member secretary; Hridoy Hasan, senior co-chief organizer; Obaidul Islam, joint convener; and members Al Masum Sojib, Fahadul Islam Fahad, Syed Emon, and Tawhid Ahmed Shanto.
Enam Medical College Hospital duty manager Shafiqul Islam confirmed that three injured individuals were admitted — one on the night of the attack and two more the following afternoon. Others received treatment at Savar Upazila Health Complex and nearby hospitals.
Ashulia Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Kamal Hossain said authorities had received a report of the incident and were awaiting a formal written complaint. “Once we receive it, we will initiate an investigation and take appropriate legal action,” he said.
NCP’s Rifat Ahmed Emon said the group’s intention was to ensure the factory complied with environmental and safety regulations. “We never imagined we’d be attacked for demanding accountability,” he said.
