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 Nasiruddin and his party accused the two BNP affiliates of carrying out the attack.
The incident took place at around 2pm in front of the Pouro Collectorate Jame Masjid after Jumma prayers, opposite the deputy commissioner’s residence.
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.
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.
The NCP said more than 17 leaders and activists, including joint member secretary Tareq Reza, were injured in the attack, while at least three sustained serious injuries.
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.
Statements from local Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal leaders regarding the allegations could not be obtained immediately.
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