BNP, Jamaat, Hefazat, other parties condemn Gopalganj attack, demand govt action

Major political parties, including Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, have condemned the attacks on the rally and convoy of National Citizen Party (NCP) by banned Awami League and its affiliates in Gopalganj.

In separate statements, the parties urged the government to ensure justice and bring the perpetrators to book.

BNP expresses concern over attack on NCP

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has voiced deep concern over the attack by members of the ousted Awami League on the National Citizen Party's (NCP) pre-announced "March to Gopalganj" programme.

"Following the fall of the autocratic Awami regime through the student and public uprising, certain miscreants are once again attempting to exploit the situation by creating chaos and instability in the country for their own gain," Fakhrul said in a press statement issued to the media today (16 July).

He described the day's attack — which included crude bomb explosions, arson attacks on vehicles belonging to the upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) and law enforcers, and injuries to police officers — as "barbaric" and symptomatic of a larger threat.

"The deteriorating law and order situation has emboldened Awami loyalists, who, in desperation, are resorting to violence in an attempt to undermine the interim government and plunge the country into turmoil for their benefit," he said.

Jamaat announces nationwide protests condemning attacks on NCP

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a countrywide protest tomorrow (17 July) in all districts and metropolitan areas in response to today's (16 July) attack on National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders in Gopalganj by the supporters of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organisations.

The announcement was made by Jamaat's Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar in a media statement.

Parwar condemned the violence, saying, "Terrorists from the banned Chhatra League, acting as collaborators of the fallen autocracy, brutally attacked NCP members during their pre-scheduled 'March to Gopalganj' programme."

He claimed that the attackers attempted to kill NCP leaders by launching assaults on their vehicles and even attacked their position near the office of the Gopalganj superintendent of police.

"Many NCP leaders, activists, and general citizens were injured in the attack. The terrorists set fire to property and caused widespread destruction," he said.

Hefazat condemns attack, calls for unity to uproot fascism

In a statement, Hefazat-e-Islam Ameer Shah Muhibullah Babunagari and Secretary General Shaykh Sajidur Rahman condemned the violent attacks carried out by members of banned the Awami League and the Chhatra League on NCP convoy. 

The Hefazat leaders described the attacks as "heinous" and said that they represent a direct violation of democracy, freedom of expression, and human rights.

"It is now a pressing necessity to uproot fascism from this country," the statement reads.

The Hefazat leaders demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible for the violence, asserting that such action is necessary to ensure no one dares to commit such acts of terrorism in the future.

They also expressed deep sympathy for the injured — NCP leaders and activists, journalists, and members of law enforcement — who were affected in the attacks in Gopalganj.

Protest by AB Party, Jatiya Ganotantrik Party

Meanwhile, AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Monju and Secretary General Asaduzzaman Fuaad have condemned repeated attacks by banned Awami League and Chhatra League activists on the NCP's pre-announced "March to Gopalganj" programme.

"The role of intelligence agencies, law enforcers and the administration is questionable as they failed to stop these terrorist attacks. All must be brought to justice," they said in s statement.

In another development, Jatiya Ganotantrik Party Vice-President Rashed Pradhan said, "Fascist Awami forces act boldly on Delhi's assurance. They talk about justice for killing police but attack police themselves."

"This country no longer belongs to killer Hasina; it now belongs to Mugdha, Wasim and Abu Sayed. People must prepare to send Gopal to Delhi and turn Gopalganj into Abu Sayedganj," he added.

Speaking at a rally after public relations activities, leaflet distribution and protest at Payra Chattar in Rangpur, he also said, "The repeated terrorist attacks by the banned Awami League, police and UNOs on NCP leaders and activists again prove Awami League's politics is against the people."

Chhatra Dal, Shibir, and Gonotantrik Chhatra Sangsad rock DU

Three student organisations — Chhatra Shibir, Chhatra Dal, and Gonotantrik Chhatra Sangsad —staged protest marches simultaneously on Dhaka University campus tonight, drawing attention to recent incidents of political violence in the country.

Around 8:00pm, the groups launched separate processions from different points on the campus, converging near key university landmarks, including the VC Chattar and Madhur's Canteen, and ending near Rokeya Hall.

Islami Chhatra Shibir and Gonotantrik Chhatra Sangsad demanded the arrest of those responsible for the violent attack on the Nationalist Citizen Party's (NCP) rally in Gopalganj earlier in the day, which left at least four people dead and dozens injured.

Meanwhile, Chhatra Dal marched to protest the recent killing of a BNP leader in Cox's Bazar, alleging Jamaat-e-Islami's involvement in the incident and calling for swift arrests of those behind it.