NCP's July march attacked in Habiganj; Sarjis, Patwary injured
The party claims local Chatradal activists attacked its convoy after a rally in Habiganj.
Highlights:
- Journalists' vehicle vandalised, phones and cameras taken
- Police deployed across town following multiple clashes
- Jubodal leader denies involvement in the incident
The National Citizen Party (NCP) has alleged that local activists of Jatiotabadi Chatradal attacked its convoy following a July march in Habiganj this evening (28 July), leaving the party's Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary and Chief Organiser (North) Sarjis Alam injured.
The attack took place in Habiganj municipality after NCP leaders concluded a march along the town's main road, confirmed a duty officer at Habiganj Sadar Model Police Station.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Following the incident, the party claimed that the attack left several people injured and a vehicle carrying journalists was vandalised.
According to NCP Joint Member Secretary Saleh Uddin Sifat, the convoy carrying Patwary and Sarjis came under a sudden attack by local Chatradal activists as it was leaving the venue.
Sifat alleged that both Patwary and Sarjis were injured in the attack, along with several NCP activists and journalists.
He also claimed that the attackers chased the NCP media team's microbus into the Habiganj District Circuit House compound, where they vandalised the vehicle and took away mobile phones and cameras.
"The attackers entered a state facility and carried out this disgraceful incident. They not only damaged the microbus but also took away mobile phones and cameras," Sifat said.
He added that the party had obtained video footage of the vandalism.
According to the NCP, attacks were carried out at several locations across the town, including in front of Court Mosque, the Muktijoddha Complex and the Deputy Commissioner's office.
Earlier in the day, NCP leaders addressed rallies and joined marches in Habiganj town and Ajmiriganj upazila, where they criticised the BNP.
The party alleged that the attack was carried out in retaliation for those speeches.
The police official said all available police personnel had been deployed to the scene.
"We are very busy. All forces from the police station have been sent to the spot. The situation will be informed later," the officer said.
Meanwhile, Habiganj District Jubodal Convener Jalal Ahmed said he had learned about the incident through social media.
"No Chatradal or Jubodal members were involved in the incident," he said.
Habiganj district Chatradal President Shah Rajib Ahmed Ringon also denied the allegations and accused the NCP of staging a "pre-planned drama" through provocative speeches.
He also claimed that it was ordinary people who protested in response to the provocative remarks, and said Chatradal should not be held responsible for the incident.
Ringon also said provocative comments targeting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman hurt the sentiments of party activists. "Even then, Chatradal exercised restraint," he said, warning that if such remarks continued, the NCP would have to bear responsibility for any future incidents.
