Govt orders probe into NCP rally blast, steps up security for July Uprising coordinators

Dhaka police on Tuesday ordered a formal probe into a bomb blast at a National Citizens Party (NCP) rally in Savar, an incident that has triggered sharp security concerns for key leaders of the historic July Uprising.

Salamat Ullah Rony, member secretary of the NCP’s Dhaka North district unit, filed a criminal case under the Explosive Substances Act late Monday night, according to Nur Mohammad, Inspector (Investigation) of Savar Model Police Station.

“No suspects were named in the case, and no arrests have been made so far,” Inspector Mohammad confirmed.

The rally was attended by prominent figures, including NCP Convener and Chief Whip of the Opposition, Nahid Islam, alongside other senior party leaders. 

Following the incident, Nahid and a delegation of party activists visited the Savar Model Police Station to discuss security measures.

​Power outage preceded the explosion

​According to the case statement, a sudden power outage hit the venue shortly after the party's central leadership arrived. The rally eventually resumed using a generator for electricity.

The complaint alleges that the explosion occurred at approximately 9:42 PM on Monday at the Tarapur Eidgah Ground, where the party was hosting its "July March" programme. 

Three people sustained injuries in the blast and were rushed to a local hospital for medical treatment.

Three-member investigation committee formed

​Dhaka District Superintendent of Police (SP) Shamima Parveen visited the scene late Monday night and immediately formed a three-member committee to investigate the attack.

​Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations) Jahangir Alam will head the probe. Additional Superintendent of Police (Savar Circle) Rakibul Hasan Ishan and Inspector (Investigation) Nur Mohammad are other two members.

​Speaking to reporters, SP Shamima Parveen said the inquiry would deeply examine both the suspicious power failure and the blast itself.

​"We will investigate why the electricity went out precisely during the rally and discover who was behind the explosion. Everyone involved will be brought to justice," she asserted. 

Inspector Nur added law enforcement operations are already underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

​Widespread political condemnation

​The attack took place during the NCP’s nationwide "July March" political programmes, organized to commemorate the second anniversary of the July Uprising.

​The incident has drawn swift and fierce condemnation from political leaders and civil society members across the spectrum.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar issued a statement strongly condemning the “cowardly, barbaric, and dastardly” explosion. 

He sharply criticized the local administration for failing to provide adequate security for the NCP leaders and activists.

State Minister Ishraque Hossain also protested the incident, branding the attack "a black chapter" in the country’s politics.

Referring to the cocktail bomb explosion at the National Citizen Party (NCP) rally in Savar, Prime Minister's Adviser on Information and Broadcasting, Dr Jahed Ur Rahman in his weekly Press Briefing at the Secretariat, said an “investigation would be conducted” and those responsible “would be arrested and prosecuted.”

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