Jamaat alleges BNP attack on its rally in capital

The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has alleged that local activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party attacked one of its rallies in the Gulistan area of the capital.

The incident took place on Saturday (July 4) afternoon beneath the Fulbaria Flyover, where a Jamaat procession was being held.

Abdul Sattar Sumon, Assistant Publicity Secretary of Jamaat's Dhaka South unit, alleged that BNP activists had long been involved in extortion and illegal occupation in the Gulistan area.

He said, "A few days ago, they attempted to take control of a market by locking it down. At the request of ordinary traders, local leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami stood by them. Today, the local Jamaat organized a protest procession in Fulbaria against terrorism, extortion, and illegal occupation. When local traders gathered there, BNP activists launched a sudden attack."

Regarding the incident, Rafiqul Islam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Banshal Police Station, told Asia Post that after August 5, 2024, a committee was formed to manage a cooperative market in the Fulbaria area of Gulistan under the coordination of Jamaat. Local BNP leaders and activists had recently staged protests against that committee.

He added that after reports emerged alleging that BNP activists had taken control of the market, Jamaat supporters gathered in the market area. At the same time, a BNP procession against the Awami League passed through the area, leading to a scuffle between BNP and Jamaat activists who were already present.

However, since police had been deployed in the market area beforehand, no major violence occurred. The situation is now calm and remains under police control.