Leaders of political parties have strongly condemned the attack on Gono Odhikar Parishad president and former DUCSU vice-president Nurul Haque Nur, who along with dozens of activists, was injured in a police baton charge in Dhaka on Friday evening.
In a statement, Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that BNP always respects the rights to hold peaceful political programmes and does not support any activity that undermines democratic practices.
鈥榃e strongly condemn the attack on Gono Odhikar Parishad president Nurul Haque Nur, and its general secretary Rashed Khan and their activists. We demand proper medical treatment for the injured and wish them a speedy recovery,鈥� he said.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami secretary general Mia Golam Parwar also expressed grave concern over the incident, condemning the attack on Nurul Haque Nur and his supporters.
鈥楾his brutal attack is deeply concerning and shameful at a time when the nation is moving forward to build a new Bangladesh. We demand immediate arrest and punishment of those responsible,鈥� he said.
Meanwhile, Islami Andolon Bangladesh strongly protested at the incident. Its joint secretary general and party spokesperson Gazi Ataur Rahman said, 鈥楽uch an attack on a frontline anti-fascist leader like Nurul Haque Nur is totally unacceptable. The July uprising was meant to resist any return of fascism, yet this attack reminds us of the past fascist practices. The authorities must identify those responsible and ensure accountability.鈥�
The Amar Bangladesh Party also issued a statement, claiming that Nur and his followers came under attack by police and army personnel.
鈥楴early 50 activists including Nur himself were injured in the indiscriminate attack. We strongly condemn this heinous assault,鈥� the party said.
Protesting at the attack, National Citizen Party staged a protest programme at Banglamotor on Friday night and the party brought out a procession protesting at the attack.
Political parties have called upon the government to take immediate action against those responsible and to ensure that such attacks on peaceful political programmes do not recur.
