Dhaka: Leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP), including Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary and Chief Organiser for the Northern Region Sarjis Alam, allegedly came under attack in Habiganj while returning from a pre-announced July uprising programme on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred near the Court Mosque around 7:30 pm, according to witnesses.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Nasiruddin and Sarjis participated in a foot march as part of the party’s July mass uprising initiative earlier in the afternoon. They subsequently addressed a street rally held in front of the Town Hall. The attack reportedly took place as they were heading back from this rally.
Police intervened to rescue the NCP leaders, ensuring their safety by escorting them to the Circuit House. Sarjis Alam attributed the attack to leaders and activists of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal, claiming they were assaulted unexpectedly following the completion of a peaceful programme. He reported that one colleague was struck in the eye with an iron rod, while another sustained serious facial injuries.
Sarjis further alleged that the NCP Habiganj unit General Secretary Mahbubul Bari Chowdhury Mubin, Bahubal upazila Organiser Nobir Hossain Hridoy, and approximately 15 other party members were injured during the incident. He also accused the attackers of vandalising the vehicle transporting him and Nasiruddin.
Eyewitnesses noted that during the rally, Nasiruddin accused leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organisations of involvement in drug trading and criminal activities in Habiganj. Additionally, he made allegations against Habiganj Sadar constituency MP and Whip of Parliament Md GK Gouse.
Officer-in-charge of Sadar Police Station Zahidul Haque stated that police had fired a round of sound grenade to disperse the unruly crowd. In contrast, District JCD General Secretary Zillur Rahman dismissed the allegations, asserting that there was only a minor altercation following what he described as “derogatory remarks” made by NCP leaders against the BNP and its affiliated organisations.