Patwary among 17 injured in Jhenaidah attack; NCP blames Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal
The incident took place at around 2pm in front of the Pouro Collectorate Jame Masjid after Jumma prayers, opposite the deputy commissioner’s residence.
At least 17 leaders and activists of the National Citizen Party (NCP), including Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, were attacked allegedly by members of Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal in Jhenaidah today (22 May).
In separate statements, both Patwary and his party accused the two BNP affiliates of carrying out the attack.
However, Chhatra Dal denied the involvement.
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The incident took place at around 2pm in front of the Pouro Collectorate Jame Masjid after Jumma prayers, opposite the deputy commissioner's residence.
Speaking to The Business Standard, Jhenaidah Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Asaduzzaman said, "The situation is now under control. Police have been deployed at important points across the town."
He added, "Patwary has come to the police station. So far, we have not received any written complaint."
In a Facebook post this afternoon, Nasiruddin alleged that leaders and activists of Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal launched the attack in the presence of police, after he came out of the mosque following a scheduled programme in the district.
"The attackers first hurled eggs, bricks and stones before assaulting people with hockey sticks. Three people suffered head injuries and several others were injured.
"NCP leader Tareq Reza and I were also punched and assaulted," he wrote.
Nasiruddin also alleged that the attackers snatched mobile phones, cameras and wallets from NCP leaders and activists.
"Following the attack, we are currently staying at the police station and preparing to file a case. Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal and BNP activists are again preparing to launch an attack in front of the police station," Nasiruddin added.
Denying the allegations, Kushtia's Islamic University Chhatra Dal Convener Sahed Ahmed told the media, "Patwary has been making various offensive remarks about senior BNP leaders during his visits to different districts. When he came to Jhenaidah, I went to meet him and discuss the issue of refraining from making such indecent comments. At that time, angry locals threw eggs at him. We have no involvement in the scuffle or the egg-throwing."
Later, in a statement, the party condemned what it described as a heinous attack carried out by Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal activists on NCP leaders and activists.
"More than 17 leaders and activists, including joint member secretary Tareq Reza, were injured in the attack, while at least three sustained serious injuries," reads the statement.
It also alleged that mobile phones, wallets and cameras belonging to its activists were snatched during the incident.
The party accused the government and the home ministry of failing to maintain law and order, alleging that ruling party student wing Chhatra Dal is engaging in violence and organised mob attacks against opposition political groups in different parts of the country.
"The attack reflects the government's failure to maintain law and order and its tendency to deal with political opponents through violence," the statement said.
The NCP demanded that all those involved in the incident be identified and brought under the law within 24 hours.
