Abdullah Al Kafi, Central General Secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), has alleged that an attack was launched on the party’s central office as part of an ongoing series of mob-instigated assaults on various institutions and political party offices.
Asserting that the Communist Party cannot be destroyed through such violence, he spoke to journalists in the early hours of Tuesday night following the incident, declaring, “We will give our lives, yet we will not tolerate any attack on the Communist Party”.
Terming those responsible for the attack as mobsters and terrorists, Kafi alleged that the assault was carried out out of lingering resentment over an incident on 15 March 2025.
He recalled that on 15 March 2025, an attempt was made with prior announcement to attack their party office by forces that had opposed Bangladesh’s independence during the Liberation War.
He noted that their attempt failed in the face of resistance from party members.
Kafi strongly criticised allegations branding the CPB as an “accomplice of the fallen government,” pointing out that party leaders and activists were actively involved in the July-August 2024 movement.
He stated that party members brought out a procession on the streets of Dhaka defying curfew on 26 July 2024, and initiated the “Droho Jatra” from the CPB office on 1 August 2024.
Questioning the accusers, he asked, “Yet today we are being called associates of fascists, associates of the fallen government! Those who say this are trying to fish in troubled waters”.
He further challenged them to answer where they were between 26 July and 1 August 2024.
Highlighting the party’s role, Kafi stated that photos and videos of CPB activists’ processions during the movement are available on YouTube, whilst questioning the contributions of those claiming movement leadership.
He described the CPB office as a key nerve centre of the uprising, where the decision to break curfew in July-August 2024 was taken.
He recalled past attacks and bans, alleging that up to the third floor of the party office was burnt down using gunpowder on 5 May 2013, that the party was banned for 23 years during the Pakistan era, and was banned again in 1977 by Ziaur Rahman.
Reassuring that CPB cannot be harmed by creating mobs, he reiterated that the perpetrators of the recent attack are mobsters attempting to vent their 15 March 2025 resentment by defaming the party.
Clarifying that he was not present at the scene during the attack, Kafi noted that video footage of the incident exists but has not been examined yet, adding that details would be shared with journalists tomorrow if necessary after reviewing the footage.
He raised broader concerns over mob violence, citing incidents of mobs vandalising shrines, setting fire to newspaper offices, attacking political offices, and setting fire to cultural organisations Udichi and Chhayanaut.
Moreover, demanding justice for the July-August violence, Kafi stated that those who killed ordinary people and disabled 25,000 individuals in July-August 2024 must face trial and appropriate punishment.
Kafi also disclosed that police had detained two CPB leaders—Iran Molla, President of Dhaka North Jubo Union, and Sohel Fakir, General Secretary of Dhaka North Jubo Union—both of whom are CPB members.
He stated that discussions were underway with the police regarding their release, expressing hope that they would be freed during the night.
Explaining a potential trigger for the attack, Kafi mentioned that following the arrest and subsequent release of former Chhatra Union leader Deepak Sheel, a procession was held where the slogan ‘Joy Samajtantra’ was chanted.
He alleged that attackers misconstrued the slogan and launched the assault.
While stating he did not personally know whether ‘Joy Bangla’ was chanted, Kafi mentioned being informed that ‘Joy Samajtantra’ and ‘Joy Sarbahara’ were chanted.
Asserting that chanting these slogans is by no means a crime, he added that even if ‘Joy Bangla’ was chanted, that too is not an offence.
He described ‘Joy Bangla’ as the slogan of the Liberation War, stating, “For those who opposed the Liberation War, this slogan may be objectionable. But for us who stand in favour of the Liberation War, it is a slogan of pride”.
Concluding his remarks, Kafi announced that the CPB would hold a formal press conference later.
He noted that if all necessary information could not be gathered by Tuesday, the press conference would be convened on Wednesday morning.
