"Don't know why I attacked. I was called, so I went"
These were the words uttered by Parvez, who admitted to his involvement in the attack on the residence of Sohag Paribahan owners in the capital's Malibagh.
He also admitted that he was involved in vandalising ticket counters during interrogation by Ramna police.
He was arrested on Thursday night alongside another accomplice, Zainal. After a 24-hour remand, Parvez was sent to jail by the court on Saturday.
On September 3, around 11:15 pm, a group of 30 to 35 men armed with sharp weapons including machetes attacked two counters of Sohag Paribahan on DIT Road in Malibagh. They also attacked the residence Sohag Group owners.
One employee was seriously injured by the attackers এন্ড is currently under treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).
The group was led by Billal Hossain Talukder, former convener of Ward No. 19 Volunteer League under Ramna Police Station.
Investigating officer SI Mustafizur Rahman Nahid told Stream on Saturday that when Parvez and Zainal were presented before the court on Friday, he received permission to take Parvez into custody for questioning.
The court ordered Zainal to be sent to jail.
During the 24-hour interrogation, Parvez claimed that he had no knowledge of the reason or purpose behind the attack, only saying that he joined since he had been called upon by his elders.
According to the case filed at Ramna Model Police Station, the incident at Sohag Paribahan was sparked by an argument over smoking.
Sohag Group employees had asked Akash and Ruman, two followers Billal Hossain Talukder, to not smoke in front of the residence.
The duo left in anger, but returned shortly after, led by Billal.
A group of 15 to 20 unidentified individuals backed them up as they attacked the owner's residence.
Majedul Haque Nadim, cousin of the owner of Sohag Paribahan, told Stream: "Two young men were smoking in front of the owner's garage, and one of our employees asked them to move. At that time, they got angry and pulled something from their pocket and attacked with it. At that time, Sohag Group Director Ali Hasan Talukder Palash was present at the garage. He pushed everyone away from the spot. Within four to five minutes, 20 to 25 people came from the railway gate with sharp weapons and attacked our people. They vandalised and looted the owner's residence and the adjacent transport counters."
He further said, "We are locals here. Everyone saw that Billal led the attack. Everyone who came with him has been identified. However, there may be other reasons behind the attack. That's why the police have started an investigation. I've heard that several people have already been arrested."
Asked about these matters, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Ramna Zone Masud Alam told Stream: "Initially, it seems the attack occurred due to a trivial incident. Those who were smoking are considered locally influential and arrogant, and the incident seems to have happened purely from ego. However, an investigation is underway. We have identified all attackers from CCTV footage. Operations are ongoing to arrest the remaining accused."
On Saturday, RAB arrested Billal from Hatirjheel's Ambagan area and Bappi from Keraniganj's Model Town area.
Meanwhile, due to his involvement,Bilal has been expelled from his party for life.
A press release signed by AA Zahir Uddin Tuhin, President of Dhaka Metropolitan South Volunteer League, and General Secretary Saad Morshed Pappa Shikdar on Thursday said that due to clear evidence of breach of party discipline, Billal has been expelled for life from all party positions, including primary membership.
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