Jamaat activist expelled over attack on protesters in Chattogram

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expelled one of its party activists, Akash Chowdhury, for his involvement in a violent attack on members of a student organisation, including female activists, during a peaceful protest in Chattogram.

Police are yet to arrest the accused activist, whose current whereabouts remain unknown.

Abdul Karim, officer-in-charge of Kotwali Police Station, confirmed that police are working to identify and nab the people involved in the attack.

The incident occurred on 28 May at the Chattogram Press Club premises, where the Democratic Students' Alliance had organised a protest against the acquittal of convicted war criminal and Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam, terming the verdict a result of a "flawed judicial process."

The peaceful gathering turned violent at around 3:30pm after a sudden assault reportedly led by the activists of Jamaat and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir.

According to eyewitnesses and social media footage, members of a group called "Shahbagh Birodhi Oikya" incited the violence by calling for a mob attack online.

During the attack, banners were torn and set ablaze, while female activists were subjected to verbal abuse and physical assault, which left at least 15 injured, with three requiring hospitalisation at Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH).

Among the victims was Annie Chowdhury, central joint vice-president of the Democratic Students' Alliance, who was kicked by Akash on the steps of the Chattogram Independent University.

Annie, wearing a cap at the time, was identified in the video footage shared online.

However, police arrested two people from the spot for being involved in the attack on that evening and filed a case at night.

In a statement issued on 30 May, Jamaat's Chattogram metropolitan unit distanced itself from the attack, claiming the party had no involvement.

The statement said, "The responsibility lies solely with those who were present at the time. Akash Chowdhury, a party worker, acted without the knowledge or consent of the organisation.

"His actions are strongly condemned and he has been expelled from the party for violating organisational discipline."

Shibir denies involvement

Although former leaders of its Chattogram North unit, including Abrar Hossain Riyad, Toukir, and Asfar, were reportedly involved in the attack, Chhatra Shibir has yet to take any organisational action.

In a statement, Chattogram Metropolitan (North) unit President Tanzir Hossain Jewel and Secretary Muminul Haque claimed that no current Shibir activists were involved in the attack.

"The individual in question may have previously been involved with Shibir, but has not been active for a long time. The organisation is not responsible for his personal actions," the statement reads.

Akash still at large

Despite clear evidence and public outrage, Akash Chowdhury has not been arrested yet.

Jamaat leaders have also expressed uncertainty about his current location.

Further investigation reveals Akash has a history of violence. He allegedly led an attack on a Sunni gathering in Muradpur and was filmed abducting a young man from the Bahaddarhat intersection at night, identifying himself as the local Jamaat secretary when confronted by bystanders.

The fate of the abducted individual remains unknown.

Authorities continue to search for Akash, as pressure mounts for accountability and justice following the attack.