BNP leader Mirza Abbas and his supporters have been attacked allegedly by ruling Awami League activists during his election campaign in Dhaka’s Segunbagicha area.
A group of 30-40 ruling party activists wielding rods and sticks attacked the BNP candidate for Dhaka 8 constituency and his supporters near Segunbagicha kitchen market around 12noon on Saturday, said Mirza Abbas’ media coordinator, Nahid Nazrul.
He said at least 60 people were injured in the attack, reports UNB.
Nazrul said police arrested some injured BNP activists instead of resisting the attackers.
Later, at a press conference at his Shahjahanpur residence, Mirza Abbas said: "I could have died had I not been saved by my leaders and activists during the attack."
He strongly condemned and protested the attack.
The BNP leader said the “cadres” of Jubo League and Chhatra League under police protection attacked him and his supporters during the election campaign.
"They beat my leaders and activists mercilessly with rods and sticks, leaving at least 60 of them injured," he said.
Mirza Abbas said a good number of his supports were admitted to a hospital with serious injuries.
“Police have arrested seven BNP activists after the attack. They even arrested two injured activists from the hospital,” he said.
“Police torture is increasing day by day. We have no way now.
“I want to ask the government what will make you happy and you should announce it in public.”
The BNP leader said the government does not want BNP to participate in the election. “But BNP will contest the election and people will cast their votes.”
Mirza Abbas also said: “With the grace of Allah and my activistsI am alive today. My supporters are now hospitalized. People will justify this act.”
Before the campaign, Mirza Abbas said he sent separate letters to the Ramna and Shahbagh police stations to ensure his security during the campaign. "But, they didn't take any step in this regard."
The BNP candidate said he even requested two police officials to prevent the attackers, but they did not act.
Mirza Abbas said he will continue to conduct campaign braving the attacks and repressions.
Meanwhile, Ramna, Paltan and Shahbagh police stations officers-in-charges (OC) Kazi Mainul Islam, Mahmudul Hasan and Abul Hassan told the Dhaka Tribune that they are not aware of such incident.
Nobody has filed any complaint either verbally or in writing, the OCs said.
