Dissent politics being trimmed: Sarjis Alam

National Citizen Party (NCP) chief coordinator for the northern region, Sarjis Alam, has accused BNP and its student wing, Chhatra Dal, of being behind the attack on his vehicle in Golapganj, Sylhet. According to him, there is an ongoing effort to curtail dissent politics in the country through attacks and obstruction of political programs.

He spoke to journalists regarding the attack around 4:30 PM on Thursday at the Sylhet Circuit House. He alleged that the NCP convoy was pelted with bricks, stones, and iron rods both on its way to a meeting with family members of martyrs in Golapganj in the morning and on its return journey after the event.

Sarjis claimed that activists of Chhatra Dal were involved in the attack. An NCP activist was seriously injured in the incident. "Political differences may exist. But attacks, intimidation, or obstructing programs cannot be part of democratic politics. Such activities reflect an authoritarian political culture," the NCP leader said.

This marks the second attack on an NCP convoy in the Sylhet division.

Dragging in the names of the Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman over the issue, Sarjis alleged, "Although democracy is spoken of publicly, in reality, opposition political programs are being obstructed. If the culture of attacking political rivals continues, the country's political environment will become even more constrained."

He also questioned the role of law enforcement agencies. "Although police were present at the scene during the attack, no effective steps were taken to stop the attackers. Even now, no one has been arrested so far," he said.

One of the key coordinators of the 2024 uprising, Sarjis said, "As a political party, the NCP wants to carry out its programs peacefully. However, our activities are being disrupted due to attacks and obstructions." He expressed concern over political rivalry turning into violence.

The NCP had a scheduled exchange of views with family members of martyrs from the July uprising in Golapganj on Thursday afternoon. As the central leaders' convoy arrived in Golapganj to attend the event, a group of youths began shouting slogans like "Fake, Fake" and "NCP is Fake."

After the event ended, as they were leaving, the attack on Sarjis's vehicle took place in front of Nur Mansion near the upazila gate. The NCP has alleged that local Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal activists were involved.

However, no statement was available from Jubo Dal or Chhatra Dal regarding the allegation. Police also did not give any formal statement on the incident. However, Golapganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Shobed Ali had confirmed the attack on the vehicle in the afternoon.

NCP leader and Member of Parliament Dr. Mahmuda Mitu posted about the attack on Facebook. She alleged, "BNP terrorists are involved in this. I, Sarjis, and several others were in the car."

Mitu said, "They are actually trying to kill us. They shattered the right-side and rear windows of our car into pieces. The police stood there impassively. We cannot demand an answer from Tarek Rahman—apparently, that would be disrespectful."

Earlier, on Tuesday, the NCP convoy was attacked during their 'July March' program in Habiganj. Party leaders blamed Chhatra Dal for that incident. The following day, while heading to a protest program in Habiganj, the central leaders' convoy faced police obstruction multiple times in Srimangal and Bahubal areas of Moulvibazar.