Political parties, orgs condemn attack on Nurul Haque

Several political parties and organisations have condemned and protested the baton charge by law enforcement on Nurul Haque, president of Gono Odhikar Parishad and former DUCSU Vice President, among other leaders and activists of the party. The parties wished Nurul Haque a swift recovery.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in a statement issued today, Saturday, said that BNP respects the right to hold all kinds of peaceful political programmes and does not support any activities that disrupt the practice of democratic political culture. "We condemn attacks on peaceful and constructive political programmes."

The BNP secretary general has strongly condemned and protested the attack on Nurul Haque, Rashed Khan among other leaders and activists of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, with the demand of ensuring proper medical treatment for Nurul Haque. Mirza Fakhrul wished him a speedy recovery as well, reports BSS.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former Member of Parliament, Mia Golam Parwar, has issued a statement expressing deep concern and strong condemnation over the incident of Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque being injured among other leaders and activists of the party.

The Jamaat secretary general said in the statement, “Such an attack, even after the fall of fascism, is utterly shameful, undesirable, and unwarranted. We expect a democratic, peaceful, and tolerant political environment. At a time when the nation is moving towards building a new Bangladesh, this type of attack only reminds us of fascism.”

Mia Golam Parwar called upon the concerned authorities to immediately arrest those responsible and to ensure exemplary punishment under the law, reports BSS.

In a press release issued on Friday night, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, student wing of the BNP, stated, “Such a brutal attack on frontline leaders of the movement against fascism and supporters of the uprising is unprecedented. Such uncontrolled behaviour by the law enforcement agencies in the post-uprising period can in no way be acceptable.”

Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam and General Secretary Nasir Uddin strongly condemned and protested this sort of attack, demanding an immediate investigation and exemplary punishment of those responsible, reports BSS.

In a joint statement, Ganosamhati Andolan’s Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki and Executive Coordinator Abul Hasan Rubel strongly condemned and protested the attack on Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque, General Secretary Rashed Khan among other party leaders and activists.

They said the brutal manner in which Nurul Haque was assaulted is in no way acceptable. The way he was attacked constitutes a criminal offence. They wished him a speedy recovery and demanded action against those involved in the incident.

In a statement sent to the media on Friday, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement President Rifat Rashid said that the attack on Nurul Haque reflects the many failures of the interim government.

He described the assault as tantamount to betraying the blood of the July martyrs. Noting that various quarters are engaged in the ‘conspiracy’ to rehabilitate the Awami League in different guises, Rifat Rashid said in his statement that the Jatiya Party is one of the key actors in this process.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh stated that the incident of beating an anti-fascist leader on the street represents a stance against the July mass uprising.

In a statement, the party's joint secretary general Gazi Ataur Rahman called on the interim government to take swift and effective measures in response.

The incident occurred in Kakrail area of Dhaka on Friday evening, when clashes broke out between leaders and activists of the Jatiya Party (JaPa) and Gono Odhikar Parishad.

The clash erupted as a procession of Gono Odhikar Parishad was passing the JaPa office. Later, police charged batons injuring several including Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque.

Following the incident, the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) said in a statement Friday that despite repeated requests, some activists tried to aggravate the situation through mob violence. They attacked law enforcement personnel and, around 9:00 pm escalated violence with a torch procession.

They hurled brickbats and attempted to set fire to different establishments. For public safety, the law enforcement agencies were compelled to use force. The ISPR also noted that five army personnel were injured in the incident.

Meanwhile, the Dhaka Medical College Hospital has formed a high-level medical board for Nurul Haque’s treatment.

This morning, Brigadier General Md Asaduzzaman, director of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, said that Nurul Haque has sustained head injuries and a nasal bone fracture, which caused severe bleeding yesterday. The bleeding has since been stopped, and he has regained consciousness. However, it cannot be confirmed whether he is out of danger until 48 hours have passed.