NCP top leaders head to Habiganj despite Section 144 after convoy attack sparks political standoff

Senior leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) headed to Habiganj on Wednesday to press ahead with a protest programme despite the imposition of Section 144, setting the stage for a fresh political confrontation a day after the party's central leadership came under attack in the district.

The Habiganj district administration imposed Section 144 across the municipal area on Wednesday morning after the NCP announced a protest against Tuesday's attacks on its "July March," while the BNP and its affiliated bodies announced a counter-programme at the same venue and time.

NCP Convener and Opposition Chief Whip in Parliament Nahid Islam, Southern Region Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah and other senior leaders were travelling to Habiganj to join the protest. Central leaders Nasiruddin Patwari and Sarjis Alam were already in the district.

"We are very close to Habiganj now," NCP Media Subcommittee member Yasir Arafat said. Asked how the party would proceed under Section 144, he said the leadership would decide its next course of action after arriving.

The latest standoff follows violent scenes on Tuesday when the convoy carrying NCP leaders was attacked several times while leaving the party's "July March" programme in Habiganj town. The NCP accused BNP and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal activists of orchestrating the assaults.

During the unrest, several central leaders, including Sarjis Alam and Nasiruddin Patwari, were reportedly confined inside a Sonali Bank branch before police and other law enforcement agencies escorted them to safety later that night. 

At least 20 NCP leaders and activists, including Sarjis Alam and district Member Secretary Mahbubur Rahman Mubin, were injured in the attacks, while several vehicles in the convoy were vandalised.

In its order, signed by Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Dr GM Sarfraz, the administration said both the NCP and local BNP and Chhatra Dal units had called programmes at the same place and time, creating a high risk of confrontation.

Citing fears of clashes, damage to property and deterioration of the law and order situation, the administration prohibited gatherings of five or more people, public meetings, processions, slogan chanting, picketing, the use of loudspeakers and other activities deemed likely to disrupt public order within the Habiganj municipal area. The restrictions took immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice.

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