Shibir Attacks Left Alliance Program in Chattogram; 15 Seriously Injured

Chattogram Bureau

A brutal attack by Shibir, a covert organization linked to war crimes outfit Jamaat-e-Islami, left 20-25 people injured during a program organized by the Left Alliance in Chattogram. At least 15 of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.

The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, May 28, in front of Chattogram Press Club in the Jamal Khan area.

Three individuals in critical condition were rushed to Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

Among the injured are Ripa Mazumder, city president of Socialist Students’ Front, Shrikanta Biswas, general secretary of Democratic Students’ Council, Sudipto Guha, finance secretary, Saiful Haque, central president, Annie Chowdhury, vice president, Tanvir Hossain, Dhaka city organizer, Dhruvo Barua, Chattogram president, Saumen from USTC, Orpita Nath, city finance secretary, Rishad Amin, Ishaan Barua, and Shafik Islam from Chattogram University, along with two unidentified activists.

Eyewitnesses reported that activists of the Democratic Students’ Alliance gathered at the press club around 3 PM to protest the release of war criminal and Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam. Despite police deployment, the situation escalated when Shibir operatives, under the banner “Anti-Shahbagh Alliance,” staged a counter-protest with provocative slogans and armed displays.

Tensions boiled over as Shibir operatives assaulted the Left activists, including female students, forcing them to retreat towards Cheragi Mor. Despite moving away, Shibir affiliates continued pelting them with stones and bricks, critically injuring two activists.

The attackers also snatched banners and placards from the protesters, setting them on fire.

Left activists allege that BNP leader Saka Chowdhury’s son, Huka Chowdhury, financially supported the attackers.

Pushpita Nath, vice president of Socialist Students’ Front, Chattogram, stated, “Since we announced the protest, several Facebook pages have spread inciting posts against us. When we gathered at the press club, they attacked us, injuring 15 of our activists, including several women leaders.”

Shibir activist Abrar Hasan Riyad, a coordinator for the July Unity Platform in Chattogram, threatened further action, saying, “These leftists aided Hasina’s fascism by staging the Shahbagh movement. If they continue such attempts, we will resist them as we did today.”

Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Karim confirmed the clash and reported the arrest of two individuals.

Notably, war criminal ATM Azharul Islam, once the district president of Islami Chhatra Sangha (now Shibir), faced trial in 2013 for six charges of crimes against humanity, including mass killings, abduction, and rape during the 1971 Liberation War.