Planned Armed Attack on BNP Leader Kayes in Patiya

Md. Kamal Uddin    |    ০৪:১৫ পিএম, ২০২৫-১০-২০

— Md Kamal Uddin-
Patiya, Chattogram — A violent, allegedly politically motivated armed attack was carried out against BNP leader and former chairman of Ward No. 8, Kashiaish Union, Mohammad Kayes (currently facing court cases), in Badhbura (Buddhupura) area of Patiya Upazila. The complainant has filed a case with Patiya Police: Case No. 16, dated 19/10/2025. Local residents say the assault is part of a sustained campaign to eliminate Kayes from local politics.  According to the written complaint submitted at Patiya Police Station by the complainant Suman (36) (son of Md. Yusuf; mother: Hosne Ara Begum) — who was travelling to Buddhupura market to participate in BNP’s leafleting and public outreach for the party’s “31-point state reform” programme — the attack occurred on 17 October 2025, between about 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. The party delegation was travelling from Chattogram by a hard-jip Honda (Reg. No. Chattmetro-gh 11-2711, blue) owned by Md. Kaich, when they reached the paved road about 200 gaz east of Fakira Mosque, beside Khalil Mir Girls’ High School. The complaint alleges that two black jeeps, two CNG autorickshaws and two motorcycles arrived on the scene. Leading the attackers, the complainant named Md. Abul Kasem (62) — a former chairman of Ward No. 8 — and Md. Sohel alias Tatu Sohel (28), plus some 9–10 unidentified men. The group allegedly carried an array of weapons — including sickles, machetes (ramda), iron rods, hockey sticks, Chinese axes, sacks of bricks and stones, and even firearms such as rifles and sawn-off guns — and launched a coordinated, premeditated attack on Kayes and his associates. The attackers reportedly hurled bricks and stones, smashed vehicles and shouted threats such as “If you support BNP, you will die.”
Background and political vendetta  Sources and local activists say Md. Abul Kasem is a controversial figure who was installed as chairman during the previous Awami League-dominated administration amid influence from local power-brokers. They allege Kasem, riding on that influence, used political manoeuvring — including the backing of a local KDS faction’s patron — to overturn electoral outcomes that favoured Kayes, effectively preventing Kayes from holding the chairmanship despite popular support.
According to locals, this political rivalry escalated into a pattern of legal harassment and violence. In 2022, after the death of Kayes’s brother, Kayes was falsely implicated in the killing and detained for a long period, they say. A later investigation by authorities cleared Kayes and he was exonerated in the related charge-sheet; however, the complainants allege Kasem then filed a writ in the High Court to suspend progress in the case, keeping Kayes entangled in legal uncertainty.
Allegations of attempted murder inside prison  Complainants further allege that while Kayes was in custody, Kasem used criminal networks — including the influence of KDS-affiliated individuals — to attempt to harm or kill Kayes inside prison on multiple occasions. One named individual, popularly known in the area as “Titu” (reported to be a relative of a local KDS leader), is said to be a convicted prisoner now serving a life sentence; locals claim Titu has been used previously to target political opponents. These allegations, if verified, suggest a long-running attempt to physically eliminate Kayes. 

Kayes’s political profile
Kayes is a long-standing BNP activist. He has contested union parishad elections twice on the BNP’s “paddy sheaf” symbol and won on both occasions, according to supporters. After his release on bail following previous legal struggles — and following a shift in the national political landscape — Kayes resumed political activities in the area. His supporters describe him as a committed local leader who has worked for community welfare.
Legal response and media coverage Following the October 17 incident, the complainant lodged a formal complaint and Patiya Police registered Case No. 16 on 19/10/2025. Local media outlets — including Daily Tourist, Chattal Chitra, Shomoyer Alo, Vorer Awaaz and Kotha TV under the Sada Kalo Multimedia News Group — covered the attack, which drew public attention and reportedly compelled the administration to accept the complaint and initiate legal proceedings. Local BNP leaders, civil society members and residents are demanding immediate and thorough action by law enforcement: arrest and prosecution of those responsible, and protective measures for Kayes and his associates. They emphasize that political conflict should never translate into armed violence or attempts at extrajudicial elimination. Voices from the community
Gazi Mohammad Oheedul Alam, a respected local social worker, told reporters: 

“Brother Kayes is an honest man. He brought peace and development to the area. Now he is being targeted out of political spite. We demand justice.”
Local women’s organiser Hosne Ara Begum said:  “We stand with Kayes. Even after changes at the national level, those who hold on to fascist mindsets must be held accountable by the administration.” 
Final note
Residents and political allies warn that the attack is not only an assault on an individual but also a dangerous example of democratic suppression through intimidation and violence. They call on the authorities to act decisively: “Bring Md. Abul Kasem and his armed group to justice; ensure Kayes’s safety.”