“July Warrior alleges assault, expulsion from Shariatpur event; BNP denies beating

A July Warrior and a former leader of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement alleged that they were assaulted and forced out of a reception for families of July martyrs and July Warriors in Shariatpur on Wednesday. BNP leaders denied the allegation, saying the two were only escorted out after a verbal altercation.

The incident reportedly took place around 10:30am at the Shariatpur Municipality Auditorium during a programme organised by the district administration to mark July Uprising Day. Videos of the incident later circulated on social media.

July Warrior Zakir Hossain Mintu (Adar) alleged that he was attacked and sustained a head injury after being questioned about his identity at the event.

Former Anti-Discrimination Student Movement convener Imran Al Nazir also alleged that BNP leaders and activists assaulted and expelled them despite being invited by the Deputy Commissioner to attend the programme.

Rejecting the allegations, Sadar Upazila BNP General Secretary Mahbub Morshed Tipu Madbar said there had been a verbal exchange after what he described as offensive remarks against BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and his family. He denied any assault, saying the two were removed from the venue following the altercation.

Additional Superintendent of Police Md Tanvir Hossain declined to comment on the incident.

Deputy Commissioner Tahsina Begum said she was not aware of any untoward incident during the programme and would comment after looking into the matter.