NCP's July march attacked in Habiganj; Sarjis, Patwary injured

Highlights

• Journalists' vehicle vandalised, phones and cameras taken
• Police deployed across town following multiple clashes
• Jubodal leader denies involvement in the incident
• NCP announces nationwide protest programme tomorrow 

The National Citizen Party (NCP) today (28 July) alleged that local Jatiotabadi Chatradal activists attacked its convoy after a July march in Habiganj, leaving Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary and Northern Region Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam injured.

The attack occurred in Habiganj municipality after NCP leaders concluded a march along the town's main road, a duty officer at Habiganj Sadar Model Police Station confirmed.

Sarjis Alam alleged that cadres of the Jatiotabadi Chatradal and Jatiotabadi Jubodal, along with supporters of GK Gaus – the government chief whip and MP for Habiganj Sadar – had attacked their activists.

"They assaulted our leaders and activists simply because we criticised the government at a public rally, just as people were beaten during the July 2024 movement," he said.

"The responsibility for this lies with Tarique Rahman and Salahuddin Ahmed, and they must answer for it. We will not leave Habiganj until those responsible are brought to justice," Sarjis Alam added.

NCP Joint Member Secretary Saleh Uddin Sifat said the convoy carrying Patwary and Sarjis came under a sudden attack as it was leaving the venue. He said several party activists and journalists were also injured.

Sifat said the attackers chased the NCP media team's microbus into the Habiganj District Circuit House compound, vandalised the vehicle and took away mobile phones and cameras.

"The attackers entered a state facility and carried out this disgraceful incident. They not only damaged the microbus but also took away mobile phones and cameras," he said, adding that the party had obtained video footage of the incident.

According to the NCP, attacks were carried out at several locations across the town, including in front of the Court Mosque, the Muktijoddha Complex and the Deputy Commissioner's office.

Earlier in the day, NCP leaders addressed rallies and joined marches in Habiganj town and Ajmiriganj upazila, where they criticised the BNP. The party alleged the attacks were carried out in retaliation for those speeches.

Police said all available personnel had been deployed to the area and that details would be provided after the situation was assessed.

Habiganj District Chatradal President Shah Rajib Ahmed Ringon said, "If anyone comes to the peaceful town of Habiganj and tries to destabilise the situation by making indecent or provocative remarks, they will have to bear responsibility for the consequences. No one else will."

"I have heard about an unfortunate incident today. Chatradal leaders and activists had no involvement in it. From what I have heard, an angry crowd assaulted them over some offensive remarks," he added.

Meanwhile, Habiganj District Jubodal Convener Jalal Ahmed said he had learned about the incident through social media.

"No Chatradal or Jubodal members were involved in the incident," he said.

Meanwhile, NCP has announced nationwide protest programmes for tomorrow (29 July), condemning what it described as a BNP attack on the motorcade of Sarjis Alam and Nasiruddin Patwary during the party's peaceful march in Habiganj.

In an organisational directive issued tonight (28 July), the party instructed all its metropolitan, district, upazila and thana units to organise protest rallies and demonstrations and ensure the programmes are carried out in an orderly manner.