Licensed Internet Provider Attacked by Illegal Operators in Joypurhat
Six individuals, including the mother-in-law and brother of a licensed internet provider in Akkelpur, Joypurhat, were injured in an attack allegedly carried out by illegal internet operators. The victims include Md. Belal Hossain (35), the proprietor of Tilakpur Network; his brother Emdad Hossain (25); his mother-in-law Rojina (54); and three employees—Shakil (29), Shahin (28), and Rakib (25).
Among the injured, Shakil sustained severe eye injuries and has been transferred to Naogaon Hospital for treatment. Belal, Shahin, and Emdad are currently receiving medical care at Akkelpur Upazila Health Complex.
According to reports, the incident was triggered by a dispute between Belal Hossain and two alleged illegal internet providers, Md. Saddam Hossain and Manik Hossain from Chairi village. The confrontation occurred in the evening at Pakurdaria Bazar in Raikhali Union while Belal was installing a legal internet connection. Although local residents intervened to resolve the dispute, the upstream internet connection of the illegal operators was later disconnected due to the harassment of the legal provider.
Later that night, at around 8:00 PM, while returning to Tilakpur on motorcycles, Belal and his associates were ambushed at the Pakurdaria three-way junction. A group of five to seven assailants, allegedly led by Saddam and Manik, attacked them with local weapons, including machetes and sharp blades. Belal suffered deep wounds to his head, eyes, and one hand. His mother-in-law, who rushed to the scene upon hearing the commotion, was also assaulted.
Belal Hossain has announced his intention to file a formal complaint with the local police on Wednesday morning.
Condemning the attack, Mohammad Tanvirul Alam, a member of the ISPAB Rajshahi Divisional Committee, stated, "Numerous unlicensed resellers are operating illegally, which is not only detrimental to the business but also a violation of state regulations. These unauthorized operators degrade service quality, deprive customers of proper services, and cause significant revenue losses to the government. We urge the authorities to take strict action against the offenders, and we are prepared to take organizational measures if necessary."
Shariful Alam Masud, convener of the ISPAB Bogura District Committee, also voiced his concerns: "Illegal resellers have established a stronghold in Joypurhat and surrounding districts, using muscle power to operate. We are taking various steps to counter this menace. I strongly condemn this incident and demand exemplary punishment for the perpetrators."
Similarly, Harunur Rashid Dewan, a member of the ISPAB Bogura District Committee, stated, "I strongly protest this attack. We have received reports of a cable TV and illegal internet business operator in Joypurhat using intimidation tactics to dominate the area. This incident appears to be a result of that ongoing conflict. I urge the authorities to ensure that the perpetrators face strict legal consequences."
