National Citizen Party (NCP) has placed three demands before the government, including covering the full medical expenses and providing compensation to Jatiya Chhatra Shakti leader Alif Chowdhury, arresting those responsible for the attack on him.
NCP Member Secretary and lawmaker Akhter Hossen made the demands at a press conference held in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Thursday.
Alleging that Alif Chowdhury, a leader of the NCP’s student wing in Habiganj, lost an eye in an attack, Akhter said the government must take responsibility for his treatment and provide compensation to him and his family.
“Our first demand is that the government must bear the cost of Alif Chowdhury’s treatment, take responsibility for his medical care, and bring Alif and his family under a compensation programme,” he said.
He further demanded the immediate arrest and trial of those involved in the attack.
“Those who carried out the attack and have been identified must be arrested and brought under the law,” Akhter said, adding that photos and videos of those allegedly involved in the Habiganj incident had already surfaced.
NCP alleges political attacks
Akhter accused the current government of following the path of the previous Awami League government by targeting opposition groups.
“We saw how the Awami League used to attack and suppress opposition parties during its time in power. Now, through such attacks, the BNP government is moving in the same direction,” he said.
Regarding the third demand, Akhter said the government must ensure security for NCP and other democratic opposition parties to carry out political programmes across the country.
“Political parties that speak for the people must be allowed to express their views. The government must take responsibility for ensuring security during all organisational activities, including the July March programme,” he said.
NCP raises concern over Alif’s condition
Akhter said Alif Chowdhury is recovering after surgery and has been advised complete bed rest.
“After the operation, he is now on bed rest. His injured eye will never recover, and doctors have said his right eye may also have been affected,” he said.
He also alleged that an NCP convoy came under attack in Sylhet shortly before the press conference while party leaders were returning after visiting the graves of July uprising victims and meeting their families.
‘No violence from our side’: NCP
NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain said the party’s “July March to Build the Country” programme was being conducted across 100 upazilas and had remained peaceful.
“There has been no incident of violence or violation of law from our side,” he said.
Referring to the Habiganj attack, Asif said, “After this government came to power, we witnessed a brutal attack where a rod was pushed into Alif Chowdhury’s eye.”
He said Alif might never be able to see the world normally again.
Questioning the government’s response, Asif said no clear statement had been issued and no legal action had been taken against those accused of the attack.
“We fear that this is happening with support from the highest level of the government because no action has been taken,” he alleged.
Responding to questions from journalists, Asif said disagreements over political views should not lead to violence.
“You may not agree with someone’s political statement. But should political differences be answered with violence? If you disagree, you can respond with your own arguments,” he said.
“Politics should be conducted through words. If someone believes we have violated the law, legal action can be taken. But attacks cannot be accepted,” he added.
Asif said NCP leaders would continue their political activities despite obstacles and remain committed to building what he described as a truly democratic Bangladesh.
