A police constable was assaulted by a local leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) while attempting to refuel a police vehicle at a petrol station in Gomastapur, Chapainawabganj, according to police.

The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon at Raihan Filling Station in the Khoyrabadh area of Rohanpur municipality.

Police allege that Abdullah Al Raihan, a former president of the Gomastapur Union unit of the BNP, carried out the assault. He is also the son of Ashraf Hossain, a former chairman of the Gomastapur Upazila Parishad and a BNP leader.

The injured officer, Constable Shawkat Hossain, is posted at Nachole Police Station in the district.

Sukomal Chandra Debnath, the officer-in-charge of Nachole Police Station, said the constable had gone to the filling station to collect fuel for a police vehicle. After submitting the required slip to station staff, he was waiting when Raihan approached and told him to leave. The constable identified himself and requested fuel, at which point Raihan became agitated, slapped him and later beat him with a stick.

The officer said Shawkat sustained visible injuries to his face and body. He added that several others present at the scene were also involved in the assault. The injured constable was admitted to Gomastapur Upazila Health Complex, and legal action is underway.
Md. Nur-e-Alam, officer-in-charge of Gomastapur Police Station, said police responded to the scene and spoke with witnesses. Three individuals have been detained for questioning, and legal proceedings are ongoing.

Attempts to reach Abdullah Al Raihan and his father, Ashraf Hossain, for comment were unsuccessful.

Witnesses said Raihan left the petrol station immediately after the assault.