BNP leader Ishraque Hossain alleged on Tuesday afternoon that a planned attack had been carried out by "fascist collaborators" to create chaos at the Dhaka South City Corporation headquarters, Nagar Bhaban, and disrupt civic services, with the intention of diverting the ongoing movement aimed at installing him as the Dhaka south mayor.
Ishraque made the statement at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) while visiting those injured in the attack.
“The main goal of the conspirators is to permanently sabotage this peaceful movement. Whoever is behind this plot must be arrested and brought under the law,” he said.
Calling the attackers collaborators of fascists, Ishraque said: “When we took steps to resume civic services upon the request of protestors, my opponents began to conspire in various ways to obstruct it. Despite all obstacles, we managed to restore services.”
He said that over the past two days, with the service activities continuing smoothly, a sense of relief had returned among city residents. “Our opponents could not tolerate this and have now carried out their plot in a new manner.”
“Today, those who are leftovers of fascist forces entered Nagar Bhaban carrying local weapons while chanting slogans in my name. They launched attacks with the intention of killing those who had been at the forefront of the movement,” Ishraque claimed.
He added: “This attack was an attempt to kill two birds with one stone—on one hand, they used my name to destroy a peaceful service environment and instill fear among the public; on the other, they sent a message to protestors through this heinous assault, discouraging them from joining our movement for rightful demands.”
Responding to a question from journalists, Ishraque said: “The attack was led by Golam Kibria Rubel and Arifuzzaman Prince. They are fascist collaborators and beneficiaries of the Awami regime.”
Earlier, he visited the hospital, checked in on the injured, and spoke with their family members.
Giving an update on the injured, Ishraque said: “The condition of three individuals is critical. One was stabbed in the chest, puncturing a lung. The other two were also seriously injured with stab wounds to their legs and chests. Additionally, eight to 10 others received primary treatment. They were hit with hammers on the head and knees.”
Regarding coverage by certain media outlets, he said: “Only a handful of media houses have presented today’s incident differently. Fascist collaborators still exist in these media houses, and they are trying to distort the narrative.”