Three left-leaning parties stage symbolic walkout from NCC dialogue over police assault on Milestone protesters

In a symbolic gesture of protest, three left-leaning political parties — the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesh Socialist Party, and JSD — staged a 10-minute walkout from the National Consensus Commission's dialogue today (23 July), condemning police assaults on students and guardians protesting the recent tragic aircraft crash at Milestone School and College in Diabari, Dhaka. 

The second phase of the Commission's 18th dialogue session began shortly after 11:00am, moderated by Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Monir Haider, who invited Commission Vice President Professor Ali Riaz to begin the session.

Interrupting the proceedings, CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince said, "A heart-wrenching incident occurred at Milestone School and College. Those protesting—students, teachers, and guardians—were attacked by law enforcement. Such acts echo the behaviour of past authoritarian regimes. We are witnessing old tactics resurface under new faces."

Referring to an earlier remark by an adviser that the incident was orchestrated by "remnants of authoritarianism," Prince countered, "This is a familiar narrative. Leaders like Sheikh Hasina have long used such rhetoric to deflect blame and rally support."

Prince stressed that while the dialogue was significant, the parties could not participate without registering their discontent. "We will step out for ten minutes in protest," he declared.

The move was supported by JSD Standing Committee Member Mushtaq Hossain and Socialist Party General Secretary Bazlur Rashid Firoz. 

Professor Ali Riaz responded, "We welcome their symbolic protest as a democratic right and an act of civic and political responsibility. Their statements are now on public record, and we hope the authorities take them seriously."

The three parties rejoined the session at approximately 11:25am.