Gono Odhikar Parishad has held a protest rally, condemning the brutal attack on the organisation’s president, a key figure of the July uprising and former DUCSU VP Nurul Haque Nur, in front of its central office along with other activists, and demanding the trial of those involved.
This protest rally was held in front of the National Press Club at 4pm on Wednesday afternoon.
At the protest rally, General Secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad, Md Rashed Khan, said, “If the attack on Nurul Haque Noor, a key leader of the mass uprising, is not prosecuted, it will set a bad precedent. We are not blaming the entire army or police force. We are only demanding the trial of those within the forces who were involved in the attack. It is suspicious that not a single person has been arrested even after all this time. Was the government, then, aware of the attack?”
He went on: “The home adviser cannot evade responsibility in any way. So far, he has not expressed sorrow or sympathy regarding this incident. He has not instructed anyone to be arrested. Rather, he is busy protecting the attackers. But this cannot be accepted in any way. He must resign taking responsibility for the attack on Nurul Haque Nur.”
“Many are saying this incident was a conspiracy to disrupt the election. Perhaps by injuring Nurul Haque Nur and creating an unstable environment, another 1/11 is being engineered. Let there be a proper investigation into the incident. An investigation commission has already been formed. We do not distrust this commission. But we will call for an impartial investigation of the incident. Our demand is that the guilty must not be protected in any way.”
“Although the chief adviser has instructed for Nurul Haque Nur to be treated abroad, there is procrastination regarding this. They say sending Nurul Haque Nur abroad might tarnish the government’s image. But has the image been brightened by making him bleed? We told the government to carry out reforms and ensure proper justice. But what happened? Fascism is still thriving. What is the secret behind Awami League’s large rallies? If no one from the government provides protection, Awami League should not be able to take to the streets,” he added.
He went on to say, “Simply put, if Awami League, Jatiya Party, and their allies are to be included in the election, it will have to be over our blood. This Bangladesh does not grant Awami League and their allies the right to do politics.”
Spokesperson for Gono Odhikar Parishad, Faruq Hasan, said, “Today, Awami League’s terrorists are holding rallies on the streets, and the Home Affairs Adviser can do nothing. The full responsibility for this rally by the banned organisation’s leaders and activists lies with this home adviser. They are also taking no action regarding Jatiya Party. From now on, wherever supporters of Jatiya Party and Awami League are found, they must be given public beatings. If the government does not ensure justice for the attack on Nurul Haque Nur, we will do whatever is necessary.”
The protest rally was presided over by Advocate Nazim Uddin, president of Gono Odhikar Parishad Metropolis South, and conducted by Abdur Rahim, general secretary of metropolis north, with additional speeches by members of the higher council.
