NCP convoy attacked again in Sylhet

A National Citizen Party (NCP) convoy came under another attack on Thursday afternoon in Sylhet's Golapganj upazila, a day after the party filed a criminal case over a similar incident in Habiganj, with NCP accusing BNP men of carrying out both attacks.

The latest incident occurred in the upazila at about 2:45pm outside Noor Mansion in the Golapganj municipality area, after NCP leaders attended a views-exchange meeting with family members of those killed during the July 2024 uprising.

According to local residents and party leaders, protesters gathered outside the municipality gate as the convoy was leaving for Kanaighat. Witnesses said a group of youths chanted slogans, including "Bhuya, Bhuya" and "NCP Bhuya", before some demonstrators allegedly hurled bricks and stones at the convoy, damaging at least one vehicle.

However, NCP leaders claimed the attack was more severe.

Sylhet district NCP Member Secretary Kamrul Arif alleged that the convoy was intercepted by 40 to 50 people in Panchmail area.

"They attacked with rods and country-made weapons. Vehicles carrying Sarjis Alam, Atif Mujahid, Dr Mahmuda Alam Mitu and myself were extensively vandalised. When we got out of the vehicles, we were pushed and assaulted," he said.

He claimed Tarek Jamil, a leader of NCP affiliate Jubashakti, suffered serious injuries to one eye.

"We were forced to return because the security situation had completely deteriorated," Kamrul said, adding that at least four vehicles were vandalised.

In a Facebook post after the incident, NCP Northern Region Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam alleged that the convoy was attacked in two phases, first in Golapganj and later near Panchmail Bazar.

Golapganj Police Station (PS) Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Chabed Ali confirmed that there were no reports of injuries in the vandalism incident. Law enforcement members ensured the safe departure of NCP leaders from the area, the PS OC added.

Meanwhile, legal proceedings have begun over Tuesday's attack on the NCP convoy in Habiganj.

A case was filed with Habiganj Sadar Model PS against 111 people, including 11 named accused and 100 unidentified individuals, over allegations of attacking and vandalising the party's convoy.

The case was lodged by Habiganj District Chhatra Shakti Convener Tanmoy Taher.
Confirming the matter, PS OC Md Zahidul Haque said, "Based on the complaint, an FIR has been registered. Eleven people have been named and another 100 have been made unidentified accused. A copy of the case has already been sent to the court."