Several people were injured after a crude bomb exploded near the stage during the National Citizen Party's (NCP) "Desh Gorte July Jagoron" programme in Savar on Monday night, triggering panic among hundreds attending the rally.
Rakibul Hasan Ishan, additional superintendent of police, Savar circle, said a blast occurred at around 9:45pm at Tarapur Eidgah Ground near Savar Model Police Station, shortly after the party's central leaders arrived at the venue.
"Four took treatment at a hospital. Three left after primary treatment and one is admitted. We are yet to know the nature of the explosives," he told Daily Waadaa.
According to NCP central member Yasir Arafat, the explosion took place while Dhaka District NCP Convener Engineer Nabila Tasnid was addressing the gathering. He alleged that the attack was carried out by "miscreants."
At the time of the explosion, NCP Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam, Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Chief Organiser (North) Sarjis Alam and other senior party leaders were on the stage.
Witnesses said the venue was plunged into darkness moments before the leaders were due to speak after a power outage. Following brief speeches by two local leaders, a crude bomb exploded near the stage with a loud bang, sending people scrambling for safety.
The NCP said several of its leaders and activists were injured in the blast. The identities of those behind the attack remain unknown, and no group has claimed responsibility.
In a Facebook post following the incident, Bangladesh Chhatra Shakti leader Zahid Ahsan alleged that the blackout had been orchestrated before the attack.
"The NCP's rally following its march was scheduled at Tarapur Eidgah Ground. Even before the programme began, all the lights at the venue were deliberately switched off, leaving the entire field in complete darkness," he wrote.
Ahsan said the programme continued despite the blackout. After he finished speaking, Nabila Tasnid took the stage, and "at that moment, with the lights out and the venue in darkness, a bomb was hurled into the rally."
He claimed that three people were injured, including the father of a July martyr.
"We believe this attack could not have taken place without the green signal from the police administration and the local MP. This was a premeditated attack carried out with the intent to kill," Ahsan alleged.
He added that the rally continued despite the explosion and that participants later marched to Savar Model Police Station to demand accountability.
Addressing supporters immediately after the blast, Nahid Islam accused the government of failing to ensure the security of opposition leaders.
"I want to tell the Home Minister that you have failed to ensure our security. A cocktail bomb was hurled at us while we were holding a peaceful gathering to commemorate July," Nahid said.
"Throwing cocktail bombs at us will not drive us off the streets," he added. "We want the local MP to answer why our colleagues have been seriously injured. We demand justice."
Nahid also warned the BNP-led government against allowing intimidation to suppress political dissent.
"If this government permits the suppression of dissent through fear and violence, it will meet the same fate as the fascist Awami League," he said.
The NCP has been holding its month-long "Desh Gorte July Jagoron" programme since July 1 to commemorate the July Uprising and honour those killed during the movement.
The campaign aims to preserve the legacy of the uprising and carry its aspirations to a new generation and people from all walks of life.
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