Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party, or NCP, alleged that its convoy was attacked after a July Awakening March in Habiganj on Tuesday evening. The confrontation occurred around the town’s Thana Mor and Sadar Hospital areas, involving chasing, counter-chasing and brick throwing. NCP said at least 20 people were injured, including its northern region chief organiser Sarjis Alam and district member secretary Mahbubur Rahman Mubin, while vehicles carrying party members were vandalised.

NCP Habiganj convener Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal alleged that Chhatra Dal activists attacked as central leaders Nasiruddin Patwary and Sarjis Alam were returning to the Circuit House after a rally. Alam said several activists suffered broken hands and head injuries, Mubin’s hand was broken after he was beaten with a rod, and one person sustained an eye injury. He also alleged another attack occurred outside the hospital while injured people were being taken there.

Habiganj district Chhatra Dal president Shah Rajib Ahmed Ringon denied involvement by Chhatra Dal or BNP members, saying he had heard angry people had chased the group over alleged indecent remarks. Patwary, Alam and others took shelter inside Sonali Bank and were later surrounded. Police calmed the crowd and rescued them at 8pm, taking them to the Circuit House.