United News of Bangladesh

Leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP), including its Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary and Chief Organiser for Northern Region Sarjis Alam, allegedly came under attack in Habiganj on Tuesday evening, while returning from a pre-announced July uprising programme. The incident took place near the Court Mosque around 7:30pm, according to witnesses. They said Nasiruddin and Sarjis joined a foot march as part of the party’s July mass uprising programme in the afternoon. Later, they addressed a street rally in front of the Town Hall. However, they were attacked while heading back from the rally. Police rescued the NCP leaders and took them to the Circuit House for safety. Blaming the leaders and activists of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal for the attack, Sarjis said they were assaulted suddenly after completing a peaceful programme. “One of our colleagues was hit in the eye with an iron rod, while another suffered serious injuries to his face,” he said. Sarjis claimed that NCP Habiganj unit General Secretary Mahbubul Bari Chowdhury Mubin, Bahubal upazila Organiser Nobir Hossain Hridoy and around 15 other party men were injured in the attack. He also alleged that the attackers vandalised the vehicle carrying him and Nasiruddin. Witnesses said during the rally, Nasiruddin accused leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organisations of being involved in drug trading and criminal activities in Habiganj. He also made allegations against Habiganj Sadar constituency MP and Whip of Parliament Md GK Gouse. Officer-in-charge of Sadar Police Station Zahidul Haque said police fired a round of sound grenade to disperse unruly crowds. District JCD General Secretary Zillur Rahman, however, denied the allegation, saying there was only a minor altercation after NCP leaders made "derogatory remarks" against BNP and its affiliated organisations.