BNP, Jamaat and Chhatra Dal condemn attack on Nurul Haque

Several people, including Gana Odhikar Parishad President and former VP of DUCSU, Nurul Haque, were injured in a clash between leaders and activists of Jatiya Party (JPA) and Gana Odhikar Parishad in Kakrail, the capital. BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and Chhatra Dal have condemned and protested the incident.

What happened in Kakrail

On Friday evening, a chase and counter-chase occurred between the two parties while a procession of Gana Odhikar Parishad was passing in front of the JPA central office. The situation quickly escalated and the clash spread. At that time, law enforcement officers went to the scene and used batons to bring the situation under control. In this, several activists, including Gana Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque, were injured.

The injured Nurul Haque was quickly admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Doctors said that he has a serious head injury and a broken nose. He regained consciousness after excessive bleeding, but he cannot be said to be out of danger until 48 hours have passed. For this reason, a high-level medical board has already been formed for his treatment.

BNP's response

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said in a statement on Saturday—
"BNP does not support any activity that hinders the practice of democratic culture. Attacks on peaceful political programs are against democracy."

He strongly condemned the attack on Nurul Haque and the leaders and activists of the Gana Odhikar Parishad and demanded that Nurul Haque be provided with proper medical treatment. At the same time, he wished him a speedy recovery.

Jamaat's condemnation

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami also strongly protested the incident. The organization's Secretary General and former member of parliament, Mia Golam Parwar, said—
"Such attacks are highly reprehensible and undesirable even after the fall of fascism. We expect a peaceful and tolerant political environment. Such incidents remind us of the image of fascism in the process of building a new Bangladesh."

He demanded that the attackers be immediately arrested, brought under the law and given exemplary punishment.

Chhatra Dal's response

In a press release issued on Friday night, the nationalist Chhatra Dal said—
“Such a brutal attack on the leaders at the forefront of the fight against fascism is unthinkable. Such behavior by the law enforcement agencies in the post-mass uprising period is in no way acceptable.”

Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam and General Secretary Nasir Uddin condemned the attack and demanded exemplary punishment for identifying the culprits.

ISPR's statement

In this incident, the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) said that some leaders and activists of the Gana Odhikar Parishad tried to destabilize the situation through mob violence. They attacked the law enforcement agencies and tried to escalate the violence by taking out torch processions at night. Five members of the army were injured in this. The law enforcement agencies were forced to use force to protect public safety.

Overall situation

Tensions have prevailed in the capital since the incident. Concerns have arisen among the People's Rights Council, opposition political parties, and ordinary supporters about Nurul Haque's physical condition. There is widespread discussion about the attack in political circles. Many believe that instead of a tolerant political culture, violence is resurfacing, which is not good for the country's democratic progress.