Noakhali, Bangladesh: A violent attack was reported at a rally of Abdul Hannan Masud, the Senior Joint Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), in Hatia Upazila, Noakhali. The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 PM on Monday in Jahajmara Bazaar. A second wave of attacks took place later at around 9:30 PM during a sit-in protest against the initial assault, according to Masud’s supporters.
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Incident Details
Hannan Masud alleged that individuals affiliated with the local faction of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) orchestrated the attack. According to his followers, at least 15 NCP supporters, including Masud himself, sustained injuries in the altercation.
Following the attack, NCP workers and supporters initiated a sit-in protest at Jahajmara Bazaar, demanding justice and the arrest of the perpetrators. As of 12:30 AM, the protest was still ongoing, as confirmed by Officer-in-Charge (OC) A.K.M. Azmal Huda of Hatia Police Station.
Sequence of Events
| Time | Event Description |
|---|---|
| Saturday | Hannan Masud arrived in Hatia to check on the welfare of underprivileged residents. |
| Monday, 7:30 PM | Masud addressed a rally in Jahajmara Bazaar. A group of alleged BNP members disrupted the gathering with a sudden attack. |
| Monday, 9:30 PM | Protesters staging a sit-in were assaulted again, reportedly by the same attackers wielding sharp weapons and bricks. |
| Monday, 12:30 AM | Protesters continued their sit-in while police assessed the situation. |
Eyewitness Accounts
Mohammad Yusuf, a representative of Hannan Masud, described the attack: “Hannan Masud was addressing the public when a group of individuals claiming to be from the BNP stormed in, shouting slogans and disrupting the rally. They then physically assaulted attendees, injuring at least five people, including Md. Tuhin.”
According to Yusuf, Masud himself narrowly escaped an attempted assault. Local residents reportedly chased the attackers away, prompting Masud and his supporters to stage a protest demanding the arrest of the culprits.
The second wave of violence allegedly involved sharp weapons and wooden sticks. This time, at least 10 individuals, including Masud, sustained injuries.
Official Responses
Speaking to the press at midnight, Hannan Masud stated: “We were simply engaging with the people when a group of expelled BNP members forcefully entered and attacked us. Several of our supporters are now injured. We demand immediate action against these identified extortionists.”
On the other hand, Fazlul Haque, the Convener of the Hatia BNP unit, denied any involvement, stating, “I have no knowledge of what happened in Jahajmara.”
Hatia Police Station’s OC, A.K.M. Azmal Huda, confirmed that he had received reports of the attack and was heading to the location to assess the situation.
Additional Context
This incident underscores the volatile political landscape in Bangladesh, where party rivalries frequently escalate into violence. Tensions between NCP and BNP factions in Hatia have reportedly been brewing for some time. Local authorities are under pressure to ensure justice and prevent further unrest in the region.