Sarjis Alam, northern organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has alleged that the July 16 armed attack on the party’s "March to Gopalganj" rally was orchestrated by the ruling Awami League to thwart the event and target top NCP leaders.

Alam claimed that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina coordinated the assault via phone from India. He further alleged that fugitive Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain incited violence in a Facebook Live video. According to Alam, thousands of ruling party activists were mobilized in advance, and religious rumors were spread—along with vandalism at local shrines—to provoke locals.

The NCP has condemned the attack, citing a newspaper report and viral audio clips on social media, and demanded a political ban on those involved.