A Victory Day discussion organized by the National Citizen's Committee in Barisal was disrupted by an attack on Monday.
Chairs were vandalized, banners torn, and several members of the organization were assaulted during the incident, which occurred around 11am near the Metropolitan Awami League office on Sadar Road, beside Bibi Pond.
The National Citizen’s Committee claimed that at least five individuals, including a central joint member secretary, were injured in the attack. Witnesses reported that a group stormed the event shortly after it began, causing chaos.
Md Sajjadur Rahman Shakil Mrdha, the Barisal organizer of the National Citizen’s Committee, said: “A group of people disrupted our pre-announced discussion, accusing us of being affiliated with the Awami League. They tore banners, threw chairs, and attacked our members. One central joint member secretary was beaten and nearly thrown into Bibi Pond before others intervened. Five members sustained injuries."
Among those injured were student Hamjalal, his mother Rumana Begum, and organization members GM Mehdi Hasan and Md Asif, who sought medical treatment before filing a complaint with police.
Witnesses alleged that the disruption was caused by members of the Jubo Dal and Krishak Dal. National Citizen’s Committee leaders said that participants in the meeting were labelled as "Awami League allies" and were targeted as a result.
During the incident, Central Joint Member Secretary Dr Mahmuda Mitu reportedly faced an attempt to be thrown into the pond, which was thwarted by attendees.
Syed Talukdar, the member secretary of the Krishak Dal, acknowledged the involvement of some of his group’s workers but described the incident as minor: “When we passed by, slogans such as ‘Awami League government, we need it again and again’ were being raised. Hearing this, some of our activists got agitated and caused a commotion. However, we intervened quickly, and it was nothing serious.”
Barisal Kotwali Model police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mizanur Rahman confirmed receiving a written complaint from the National Citizen Committee: “We are taking appropriate legal action regarding the complaint.”
Further investigation is ongoing.
