Human Chain in Protest Against Attack on HT Members in Pabna

An attack with firearms and sharp weapons on the members of Hezbut Tawheed has occurred again in Pabna. In protest, the central leaders of the movement organized a human chain in front of the National Press Club. During the protest, an ultimatum of 72 hours was given for the arrest of the attackers, warning of tougher measures if the demand is not met.

The human chain took place on Monday (January 20) at 11:00 AM, where leaders and activists of the movement expressed strong condemnation and demanded the immediate arrest of the attackers.

Key speakers at the human chain included Rufaidah Ponni, a member of the Central Women’s Division of Hezbut Tawheed, Information Secretary S.M. Samsul Huda, President of Dhaka Metropolitan Dr. Mahbub Alam Mahfuz, Central Publicity Secretary Shafiqul Alam Okhba, Vice President of Dhaka Metropolitan Al Amin Sabuj, and Narayanganj District President Arif Uddin, among others.

Speakers alleged that the same group of assailants has been repeatedly attacking the organization’s members at the same location. They said, “In 2022, Sujan Mondol was brutally killed by these extremist groups. Now, the same attackers continue to act with impunity. Despite seeking justice through law and court, there has been no resolution. How many people have to die before the government and administration wake up?”

On Sunday (January 19) at around 8:30 PM, a group of 20-25 armed assailants launched an attack in Charghoshpur under the Hemayetpur Union of Pabna Sadar Upazila. They attacked Hezbut Tawheed members near the house of the plaintiff of a previous case, using firearms and sharp weapons. At least 10 members were seriously injured, and one is in critical condition. The injured have been admitted to Pabna Sadar Hospital.

The speakers further highlighted that in 2022, Sujan Mondol was killed at the same location by these extremists. The accused in that murder case are now out on bail and continue to threaten the plaintiff and his family to withdraw the case.

The speakers demanded immediate arrest of the attackers and urged the administration to take effective measures to prevent such incidents in the future. They warned, “If the attackers are not arrested within 72 hours, we will announce tougher programs.”

On August 23, 2022, a group of armed assailants attacked the local office of Hezbut Tawheed in Charghoshpur, Pabna. In the attack, 10 members were injured, and one of them, Sujan Mondol, succumbed to his injuries at Rajshahi Medical College. The organization filed a case against 14 identified and several unidentified individuals, following which the police arrested seven suspects. All the accused are now out on bail.

The leaders of the protest accused the administration of inaction, stating, “The attackers are openly carrying out assaults, and the authorities are failing to ensure justice. Such negligence is emboldening the criminals.”

The speakers called on the government to arrest the attackers and ensure justice. They emphasized that failure to bring the perpetrators to justice will only lead to the recurrence of such incidents. They urged the administration to take immediate and effective action.