A case has been filed with Kumarkhali Police Station over an alleged attack on National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary and vandalism of his vehicle in Cheuria, Kushtia, amid protests by party leaders and activists over alleged police inaction.
Jannatul Ferdous Tony, convener of the NCP’s Kushtia district unit, filed the case, alleging that police had initially refused to record a complaint over the incident.
She also alleged that although the names of the accused were mentioned in the complaint, police did not include them in the case.
The case comes amid growing tensions between NCP leaders and local police following a protest programme held at Kushtia Public Library grounds on Monday afternoon.
NCP leaders and activists alleged that police obstructed their demonstration by setting up barricades when they attempted to move towards the library gate.
They said the protest was organised in response to the alleged attack on Patwary and the reported refusal to record their complaint.
According to NCP sources, the attack and vandalism took place on Sunday evening at Lalon Akhrabari in Cheuria, under Kumarkhali upazila. Party leaders said they went to the police station that night to file a case but were initially unable to record it.
The party subsequently organised a protest at Kushtia Public Library grounds at around 5:15pm on Monday. During the programme, demonstrators alleged that police prevented them from leaving the premises by placing barricades in their way, creating tension at the venue.
Police, however, denied obstructing the programme, saying the demonstrators had been advised to remain inside the library grounds because of security concerns.
Zakir Hossain, officer-in-charge of Kushtia Model Police Station, said the protesters could continue their programme at the venue for as long as they wished.
“The demonstrators have a security risk. They can protest inside Public Library grounds for as long as they wish,” he said.
