The National Citizen Party (NCP) staged protest marches and rallies across several cities on Sunday following an attack on party leader Hasnat Abdullah in Gazipur.

In a press release, the party accused “accomplices of fallen fascism” of orchestrating the assault and issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding a full investigation, as well as the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

The party also renewed its call for justice over what it described as a “genocide” in July, demanding swift legal action against those involved.

According to the statement, signed by NCP Joint Member Secretary of the Office Division Saleh Uddin Sifat, demonstrations were held in Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Rajshahi, Barisal, Kishoreganj, Faridpur, and Rangpur.

The NCP directly blamed the student wing of the ruling Awami League, the Chhatra League, for the attack. 

The press release alleged that some Chhatra League members had posted threats against Hasnat Abdullah on social media a day before the incident.

Citing data from local fact-checking group BanglaFact, the NCP claimed that at least 36 attacks have been carried out over the past nine months on individuals involved in the recent student uprising and their families. It said 89 people were injured and one person killed in these incidents.

The party criticised law enforcement for inaction, stating: “Despite these incidents, no effective legal initiative is visible from the interim government. Negligence and unprofessionalism by law enforcement are evident.”

It further alleged that the authorities’ failure to prosecute those responsible for the July violence had “paved the way for today’s attack.”

The incident occurred on Sunday evening when assailants on 10 to 12 motorcycles attacked Hasnat Abdullah’s vehicle in the Chandana Chowrasta area of Gazipur. The attackers reportedly smashed the car’s windows, injuring Abdullah. 

He later drove to the Islamic University of Technology (IUT) area in Board Bazar, where a large crowd gathered in response.

Police said two suspects had been arrested following the attack.

Md Shahin Khan, Officer-in-Charge of Basan Police Station in Gazipur Metropolitan, said: “Police conducted raids in various locations and arrested two individuals from Chandana Chowrasta. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend others involved.”

An investigation into the incident is underway.

SMS/