Night Attack on CPB Office Muktibhabon in Paltan, Police Positioned Between Two Sides

A group of youths has attacked Muktibhabon, the office of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), in the capital's Paltan. The incident took place at around 10pm on Monday (26 October).

The CPB has blamed BNP and Jamaat leaders and activists for the attack. However, BNP leaders and activists have denied the allegation.

Tension has prevailed in the area since the incident. Supporters of the two sides are chanting various slogans. Law enforcement agencies are in an alert position to avoid any untoward situation.

CPB central committee president Sajjad Zahir Chandan said: 'A few youths carried out a sudden attack on our office, Muktibhabon.' He blamed BNP and Jamaat leaders and activists for the incident.

He said the situation arose over the detention in the evening of former Chhatra Union president Dipak Shil and his later release.

The attackers alleged that CPB leaders and activists had chanted the 'Joy Bangla' slogan. However, Sajjad Zahir Chandan said no such slogan had been chanted from their office.

On the matter, Ariful Islam, officer-in-charge (OC) of Paltan Police Station, said that after former Chhatra Union president Dipak Shil was released following his detention, his supporters chanted 'Joy Bangla' while celebrating. Angered by that allegation, some individuals carried out the attack.

The OC also said the CPB has alleged that some of the attackers are BNP leaders and activists. However, BNP leaders and activists have denied it.

OC Ariful Islam said an investigation into the incident is under way. Police have taken position between the two sides to avoid any untoward situation.