A national anthem singing programme organised by the Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi came under attack in Bogura on Wednesday afternoon.
The cultural organisation alleged that members of the Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, and the Inqilab Mancha were behind the attack.
The Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir and the Inqilab Mancha denied any involvement.
Aminul Farid, general聽 secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh, told 抖阴精品 that the programme was organised at Sathmatha Mukta Mancha in protest of a recent incident in which organisers were reportedly barred from singing the national anthem at Shahbagh in the capital Dhaka.
鈥榃e had made all preparations to hold the programme at Sathmatha Mukta Mancha, but a group under the banner of Anti-Fascist Mancha occupied the venue before we started the event,鈥� he said.
He added that the organisers then shifted the programme to Shahid Khokon Municipal Child Park, a few metres from the original venue.
鈥榃hen we began singing the national anthem using a harmonium, activists of Shibir and Inqilab Mancha followed us, barred us from using our microphones and then physically attacked us,鈥� Aminul alleged.
He also claimed that the attackers also stormed Udichi鈥檚 Bogura office later in the day, injuring at least seven of its members.
Rezwaul Islam, president of Chhatra Shibir鈥檚 Bogura city unit, denied the allegations, telling 抖阴精品 that no member of his party was involved.
Mahbubur Rahman, a member of Inqilab Mancha, also rejected the claim, stating, 鈥楢t present, Inqilab Mancha has neither any committee nor political activity in Bogura. The allegations are a conspiracy against us.鈥�
However, Mahmud Hasan, who was seen participating in the attack, told 抖阴精品 that they had no objection to singing the national anthem.
鈥榃e went there to protest Udichi鈥檚 programme because we believe they are aiding fascism through their activities,鈥� he said. 鈥楾hey attacked us first, and we only retaliated.鈥�
He also claimed that after the clash, an angry mob vandalised Udichi鈥檚 Bogura office.
Bogura Sadar police station officer-in-charge Saihan Oliullah could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts.
The Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi in a statement on Wednesday strongly condemned the attack and the vandalism at its Bogura district office.
It also demanded immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved.
