Hasnat Abdullah attacked in Gazipur

Highlights:

• Hasnat attacked in Gazipur on his way to Dhaka
• He sustained injuries to his arm
• NCP to bring out procession in protest in Gazipur

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organiser (Southern region) of the National Citizen Party (NCP), came under attack while travelling in a vehicle through Gazipur today (4 May). 

The incident occurred in the Chandna intersection area on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway around 7pm, Gazipur Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) Taherul Haque Chauhan confirmed to The Business Standard. 

The vehicle was vandalised and Hasnat sustained injuries to his arm during the attack.

Additional Commissioner Taherul said, "Initially, we have come to know that Hasnat Abdullah was returning to Dhaka after attending an event in Tangail. On the way, when his car reached the Gazipur metropolitan intersection area, the car slowed down, probably due to traffic congestion. Then some individuals came on a motorcycle, attacked his car and quickly fled." 

"After the incident, Hasnat's vehicle headed towards Dhaka. As it reached the Board Bazar area near the Islamic University of Technology (IUT), students from the university came forward to ensure his safety. Hasnat got out of the car there and spoke with the students. Gazipur Metropolitan Police officials also arrived at the scene shortly after.

"Our officials spoke to Hasnat at the Board Bazar area. Later, arrangements were made for him to go to Dhaka under police protection," Taherul added. 

The police official also informed that several teams of the Gazipur Metropolitan Police are working to arrest the attackers. 

"We are investigating whether there were any CCTV cameras in the area and are collecting other intelligence information. It is hoped that the perpetrators will be brought to justice swiftly," he further added.

Protests over the attack

Following the attack, NCP's Chief Organiser (Northern Region) Sarjis Alam posted about the incident on Facebook, stating, "A group of 10-12 attackers ambushed Hasnat's car in Gazipur. The car windows were smashed, and his arm was left bloodied. Anyone nearby, please protect him."

His post sparked widespread concern, leading to protests by students in several parts of Gazipur, including Chandana intersection, demanding justice.

Photo: Collected

Meanwhile, in a statement, NCP said the party will bring out a procession in protest of the attack at 9pm at Chandna intersection.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, also issued a statement condemning the attack and calling for justice.