A series of attacks were carried out on activists of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Kushtia. The attacks took place in three phases between 8:pm and 10:pm on Sunday (March 16), leaving at least 15 activists injured.
The wounded are currently receiving treatment at Kushtia General Hospital.
The NCP activists claimed it as targeted attacks.
The injured include NCP Kushtia representative Sultan Maruf Talha, key leader Ali Mujahid, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Kushtia Government College convenor Jahirul Islam Jahir, secretary Redwan Afridi, Kushtia Polytechnic Institute convenor Jubayer, as well as Ibrahim and Nayon Hossain, among others.
The first attack occurred at 8: pm at the Kushtia Government College field.
Sultan Maruf Talha alleged that a group of youths attempted to vandalise Abrar Fahad Memorial Library at Kataikhana Mor, built in memory of Abrar Fahad, a student from Kushtia who was killed at BUET.
After facing resistance, the criminals moved to various locations, including Kushtia Government College More and Polytechnic More. Subsequently, they launched attacks on NCP and Anti-Discrimination Student Movement activists, injuring at least 15 of them.
Upon receiving the news, party activists and police arrived at the scene and rushed the injured to Kushtia General Hospital.
Around 9:pm, members of the same group reportedly threw bricks and stones at Kushtia General Hospital. Later, the police arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.
Upon hearing about the incident, leader of the Anti-Discrimination Student including Kushtia convenor Hasibur Rahman, Secretary Mostafizur Rahman, joint convenor Sayad Islam Sreshtho, Humaira Kabir Sadia, and chief organizer M.D. Belal Hossain Bandhan, rushed to the hospital.
Leaders and activists of both the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the NCP alleged that miscreants named Ayas, Akash, and Russel led the attack.
Dr. Hafizur Rahman from Kushtia General Hospital confirmed that the injured were receiving medical treatment.
Kushtia Superintendent of Police (SP) Mizanur Rahman stated that the incident is under investigation, and legal action will be taken against those involved.
He assured that necessary security measures were taken and police teams are working to apprehend the perpetrators.