Political instability continues in democratic Bangladesh. Following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government, protesters set fire to the central office of the Awami League. Now, they have targeted the Jatiya Party’s central office as well.
On the evening of October 31, protesters affiliated with the “Anti-Fascist Student, Labor, and Public Movement” vandalized the Jatiya Party office in Bijoynagar, Dhaka.
Reports indicate that a torch rally was held in front of the Raju Sculpture at Dhaka University earlier that evening. After branding the Jatiya Party as an “ally of the Awami League,” the protesters marched toward the party’s headquarters, where clashes broke out with party activists, resulting in several injuries.
Harun Rashid, an organizational secretary of the Student Rights Council, stated that they began their march from the TSC at 6 PM. The rally was supposed to conclude with a brief assembly at the Bijoynagar water tank. However, as they approached the Jatiya Party office, they faced repeated attacks, with about 20 members of their group injured.
Hassan Al Mamun, joint general secretary of the Gana Adhikar Parishad, noted that Jatiya Party leaders and activists were already present at their office when the march arrived. They reportedly threw bricks and attacked with sticks, prompting the protesters to unite and defend themselves.
Fire services were called around 7:50 PM, but they were initially forced to retreat due to resistance from students. After a few minutes, they managed to enter with police assistance and brought the fire under control within five minutes.
So far, there has been no response from any Jatiya Party leaders or the interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Yunus.
LA/SM