NCP Holds Torch Procession in Chattogram Protesting Arson at Nusrat's House

Leaders and activists of the National Citizen Party (NCP) held a torch procession in Chattogram to protest the arson attack on the village home in Daulatpur, Kushtia, of Nusrat Tabassum Jyoti, a member of the party's political council and a member of parliament.

The torch procession began on Thursday night (12 November) at Sholoshahar Gate No. 2 in the city and ended at Prabartak Mor, where NCP leaders from different levels addressed a brief rally.

From the procession, the leaders criticised the government's law-and-order situation. They also warned that if security is not ensured for Nusrat and other leaders and activists of the July mass uprising, questions will also arise over the security of the government's top figures.

The participants chanted slogans including 'Ensure the people's security, or leave power', 'Accept the July Charter, or leave power' and 'Deliver justice for the mass killings, or leave power'.

At the rally, Sadia Afrin, central chief organiser of Jatiya Nari Shakti and joint member secretary of Chattogram city NCP, criticised the home minister's remarks. She said the home minister had referred to Nusrat's house as a tin house, but to them the value of that tin house is great, and even though it is not a bungalow, there is no scope to downplay the arson there.

Sadia Afrin added that arson incidents are taking place in the country one after another, and the government cannot evade responsibility for incidents such as fires at a madrasa and a trader's truck.

Akramul Hossain, convener of NCP's Chattogram north district, said the martyrs of July did not sacrifice their lives to see such an insecure Bangladesh. He added that if any deal has been made with the government to bring back the Awami League before the local government elections, the government too will have to face the consequences of that path.

Arif Moinuddin, member secretary of Chattogram city NCP, said a side that has failed to confront the NCP politically is using Awami League people at different levels to attack the party's leaders and activists, alleging that the incidents are being carried out with the backing and financing of Awami League followers inside the government.

Arif Moinuddin added that if the fire set at Nusrat Tabassum's house is not stopped now, it could spread further. If the homes of July uprising leaders and activists are not safe, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's seat and premiership will not be safe either, he warned, adding that those responsible will have to answer if the attacks do not stop.

Khan Talat Mahmud Rafi, one of the coordinators of the July mass uprising, also spoke at the rally. He alleged that some of those who spent the past 16-17 years abroad, and some who stayed in the country in collusion with the Awami League, have now taken over the Awami League's businesses.

Those present at the torch procession and rally included Chattogram south district NCP member secretary Jobayerul Alam Manik, organising secretary Sajjad Hossain, north district organising secretary Tanzid Rahman, city Chhatra Shakti chief organiser Rashed Alam, city Jubo Shakti convener Bakhtiar Hossain and city NCP senior joint convener Sheikh Mohammad Sajjad, among leaders from different levels.