Chaos at NCP’s iftar event in Bhola, July uprising victims allege neglect

A heated situation arose at an iftar and prayer event yesterday (30 March) organised by the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Bhola over allegations of discrimination against those injured during last year's July-August uprising.

The injured alleged they were denied entry and adequate seating despite the event being organised to honour them.

The event was organised yesterday evening at the Bhola District Council Hall, attended by NCP's Senior Joint Convener Samantha Sharmin and other party leaders.

NCP organises iftar in Bhola on 29 March 2025. Photo: TBS

At one point of the event, there arose heated exchanges between the injured and the organisers, and the situation worsened when an NCP representative allegedly misbehaved with one of the injured outside the venue. This led to an angry protest and chase by the aggrieved attendees, who also chanted slogans in protest. The organisers, however, dismissed the incident as a misunderstanding.

Speaking on the incident, injured attendee Md Shahabuddin from Borhanuddin Upazila stated, "I was invited to this event two days ago, but upon arrival, I was denied entry. Even after showing proof of my medical treatment, I was still not allowed inside."

Another injured individual, Md Masum, added, "We were told this event was for the injured, yet we were not given proper treatment or seating. NCP is our party, but we continue to face discrimination."

Md Swapan, a resident of Lalmohan, recalled, "On 18 July, I was shot at Mohammadpur intersection, which left my left eye permanently damaged. The 2024 movement was a people's movement, and we were at its core. But here, an injured brother named Shamim was pushed off the stage.

"When he protested and said he is a july uprising injured, he was told, 'So what?' How can they say that? We have been humiliated, and we demand justice."

Russell Mahmud, central co-coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, remarked, "Seven months have passed, yet no one has checked on the injured fighters. They were invited to this event, even traveling from Dhaka and other parts of Bhola.

"But upon arrival, they were forced to stand outside, denied seating. We demand an answer."

In response, NCP leader Samanta said, "There may be grievances among the families of martyrs and the injured. We invited them based on our available list and even prepared Eid relief packages for them.

"However, their emotional distress was too overwhelming for the formal setting of the event. I believe counselling is needed, as the entire nation has been traumatised since the uprising."