NCP alleges attacks and obstruction during programmes in four districts

An NCP programme near Habiganj Circuit House was attacked on 28 July, leaving at least 10 party leaders and activists injured.

The injured included NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary and northern region chief organiser Sarjis Alam.

NCP called nationwide protests for 29 July, while the administration imposed Section 144 restrictions in Habiganj.

NCP leaders travelling from Dhaka were stopped by police in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar, where a truck was placed on the Dhaka-Sylhet regional highway near the Tea Maiden sculpture, the party said.

On 30 July, Sarjis Alam’s vehicle was vandalised and NCP activists were beaten in Golapganj, Sylhet.

NCP leaders accused local BNP, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal activists, as well as the administration, of involvement in attacks and obstruction.

Local Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal activists said alleged offensive remarks by NCP leaders about BNP figures had led to the unwanted situation.

Political analyst Mohiuddin Ahmad said it was difficult to establish who had attacked whom and urged restraint from both sides.

NCP leaders said Alif Chowdhury, a local Chhatra Shakti leader, was receiving treatment in Dhaka after the Habiganj violence and had suffered damage to one eye.

In Phulbari, Kurigram, NCP joint convener and lawmaker Atiq Mujahid alleged that BNP, Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal activists carried out a surprise attack on an NCP protest march.

Atiq Mujahid said about 25 NCP activists were injured in the Phulbari incident and that those involved were being identified for a planned case.

BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said political parties should be able to express their views, while adding that such expression should meet a civil standard.