Google Alert – BD Army
The Hifazat-e Islam Bangladesh has called for a “judicial ban” on the Jatiya Party, accusing the party of involvement in the recent assault on Gono Odhikar Parishad chief Nurul Haque Nur.
Hifazat condemned the attack and demanded a thorough investigation into the matter, as well as strict legal action against the perpetrators, reports bdnews24.com.
The announcement came on Saturday afternoon through a media statement signed by the group’s Joint Secretary Maulana Azizul Haque Islamabadi.
In a separate statement, Hifazat Secretary General Maulana Sajedur Rahman and Senior Joint Secretary Junaid Al Habib expressed strong condemnation over the attack.
According to the statement, on Friday night, Nur was assaulted by “some unruly and fascist members” of the Jatiya Party aligned with the Awami League, in collusion with police and the Army.
Hifazat leaders urged the government to take strict action against the perpetrators following an investigation.
“At the same time, we demand that the Jatiya Party, identified as an agent of Indian imperialism, be barred through judicial process.
“We will not allow the rehabilitation of the ‘fascist’ tactics of the Awami League regime through the Jatiya Party,” the press note read.
The leaders criticised the Muhammad Yunus-led government for failing to implement promises, noting that no visible reform of the police force has occurred.
They said police are still being used as a baton-wielding force for the ruling powers, which they consider extremely shameful for the interim government.
Hifazat praised the Bangladesh Army for its positive role on Aug 5 last year in support of students and the public, but said “the assault on a prominent student leader in collusion with police tarnished the Army’s image.”
“Those inside the military seeking to politicise the institution under imperialist influence must face appropriate measures. The Army must regain public trust, and no police-level interventions should allow the institution to become controversial again,” the statement added.
The leaders warned that “fascist and imperialist elements” are exploiting current disunity among students.
“The leaders of the mass uprising are under multi-front threats to their existence. Students must unite again under the spirit of the July Uprising to foil these conspiracies.
“Those attempting to label student resistance as a ‘mob’ are working to restore ‘fascism’. Their efforts will not succeed,” they said.
A clash occurred on Friday evening near the Jatiya Party’s central office, as a procession organised by Gono Odhikar Parishad passed by. Both parties’ activists became involved in the confrontation.
Gono Odhikar Parishad’s General Secretary Rashed Khan told bdnews24.com that their torchlight procession was scheduled at 9:30pm to protest the “attack” and demand a ban on the politics of Jatiya Party and Awami League allies.
After completing the march, they attempted to hold a press briefing outside the Gono Odhikar Parishad office, where law enforcers reportedly used batons.
Rashed said Nur was seriously injured in the baton charge and was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.