Odhikar activist Belal’s house comes under attack

The house of Belal Hossain, an activist of Odhikar, a prominent human rights organisation, was attacked by a group of criminals led by the notorious armed cadre "Killer Russel", a close associate of Abdul Quader Mirza, the ruling Awami League’s president of Companiganj upazila, on Thursday evening at Musapur in Noakhali’s Companigonj upazila.

Family members alleged that Killer Russel and his associates, armed with sharp weapons, attacked Belal's house around 8:00 pm, ransacking the property.

They also claimed the criminals hurled several crude bombs, causing panic among the neighbours.

At one point, the attackers attempted to set fire to the house, but local residents, overcoming their fear, put up resistance, forcing the criminals to flee the scene quickly.

Belal told reporters that Abdul Quader Mirza, the president of Companiganj’s ruling Awami League and the incumbent mayor of Basurhat municipality, had repeatedly threatened him for raising his voice against Mirza’s alleged misdeeds and the repression of political opponents.

"As an activist of a rights organisation like Odhikar, I have always spoken out against the human rights violations by Mirza and his associates. He threatened me with severe consequences if I did not stop exposing his activities," Belal said.

Following a recent threat from Mirza, Belal claimed he went to the Companiganj Police Station to file a general diary against Mirza. However, instead of registering his complaint, the police allegedly informed Mirza about it.

In response, Belal alleged that Mirza sent Killer Russel and his gang to kill him and attack his house. “Luckily, I escaped the attack by staying at a friend’s house that night. But I am constantly fearful for my life and security. They could attack and kill me at any time,” he said.

Belal has been working for the human rights body Odhikar for the last five years.