National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has alleged that the attack on party leaders in Gopalganj was premeditated and carried out with the intent to kill them.
The NCP leader came up with the remarks at a press briefing at Khulna Press Club on Wednesday night.
He also issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the authorities, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the attack.
Nahid said the NCP has been conducting a month-long nationwide programme titled “Desh Garte July Padajatra” since July 1, marking the first anniversary of the July mass uprising. “As part of that initiative, we had a scheduled programme in Gopalganj today. The announcement for this rally had been made well in advance,” he said.
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“Despite this, Mujibist terrorists launched a violent and militant attack on our programme. They targeted our leaders with the clear intent to kill,” Nahid alleged.
He further claimed that the attackers were armed with domestic weapons and firearms.
“The fascist Awami League terrorists of Gopalganj attacked our convoy and even fired shots. Security forces, law enforcement agencies, and the army present at the scene were also targeted. Eventually, with their assistance, we withdrew from Gopalganj and moved to Khulna, postponing our scheduled programmes in Madaripur and Shariatpur.”
Nahid described Gopalganj as a “safe haven for fascists,” claiming that several leaders of the Chhatra League—fugitives in cases filed across the country—were present there and carried out a planned, armed assault.
Gopalganj clashes over NCP rally leave 3 dead
Despite the attack, Nahid affirmed that the NCP remains undeterred in its mission.
“We have taken on the challenge to reach all 64 districts in 30 days. Tomorrow’s programme in Faridpur will go ahead as scheduled, and our road meetings will continue uninterrupted,” he added.
NCP leaders including Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the southern region of the National Citizen Party (NCP), Akhtar Hossain, member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), were also present.
Meanwhile, the government imposed curfew in Gopalganj district amid heightening tensions over clashes between police and Awami League activists over an NCP rally.
Violence in Gopalganj ‘utterly indefensible’, those responsible to face justice: Govt
The curfew will remain in force from 8pm on Wednesday to 6pm on Thursday, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing.