National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has alleged that the attack on party leaders in Gopalganj was premeditated and carried out with the intent to kill them.
The NCP leader made the remarks at a press briefing at the Khulna Press Club on Wednesday night.
He also issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the authorities, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the attack.
Nahid said the NCP has been conducting a month-long nationwide programme titled "Desh Garte July Padajatra" since July 1, marking the first anniversary of the July mass uprising.
"As part of that initiative, we had a scheduled programme in Gopalganj today (16 July). The announcement for this rally had been made well in advance," he said.
"Despite this, Mujibist terrorists launched a violent and militant attack on our programme. They targeted our leaders with the clear intent to kill," Nahid alleged.
He further claimed that the attackers were armed with domestic weapons and firearms.
"The fascist Awami League terrorists of Gopalganj — the Mujibist militants — launched an attack, opening fire and assaulting our convoy with local weapons. They even attacked the security forces, law enforcement agencies, and army personnel present at the scene. Eventually, with their assistance, we withdrew from the area and moved to Khulna. As a result, today's (17 July) scheduled road meetings in Madaripur and Shariatpur have been postponed."
Nahid described Gopalganj as a "safe haven for fascists," claiming that several leaders of the Chhatra League—fugitives in cases filed across the country—were present there and carried out a planned, armed assault.
Despite the attack, Nahid affirmed that the NCP remains determined in its mission.
"We have taken on the challenge to reach all 64 districts in 30 days. Tomorrow's programme in Faridpur will go ahead as scheduled, and our road meetings will continue uninterrupted," he added.
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