A human chain and protest rally were held in front of the National Press Club to condemn the premeditated attack, vandalism, and arson against Hezbut Tawheed in Pirgachha, Rangpur. Organized by Dhaka Metropolitan Hezbut Tawheed on Tuesday at 10:00 AM, the demonstration saw the participation of thousands of men and women from the organization.
Protest and Speeches:
Leaders and activists of Hezbut Tawheed addressed the gathering, including Dhaka Metropolitan President Dr. Mahbub Alam Mahfuz, Central Information Secretary S.M. Shamsul Huda, Narayanganj Regional President Arif Uddin, member Mukhlesur Rahman Sumon, and women’s organizer Ayesha Siddika. The event was moderated by Al Amin Sabuj.
Speakers stated that the attack on Hezbut Tawheed members in Pirgachha was a deliberate act. The attackers vandalized homes, looted property, and set fires, leaving many families destitute. They demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the perpetrators.
Hezbut Tawheed’s 7-Point Demand:
During the demonstration, Hezbut Tawheed presented seven demands:
- Immediate arrest and exemplary punishment for those directly or indirectly involved in the attack.
- Ensuring the safety and security of Hezbut Tawheed members across Bangladesh.
- Providing proper medical treatment for injured members at government expense.
- Rehabilitation and financial support for families affected by vandalism and looting.
- Compensation for properties burned and looted during the attack.
- Withdrawal of false cases filed against Hezbut Tawheed members after the incident.
- Legal action against those spreading false propaganda against Hezbut Tawheed online and offline.
Protest March and Slogans:
Following the human chain, Hezbut Tawheed activists organized a protest march that moved through High Court and Paltan areas. The National Press Club premises echoed with slogans such as:
- “No place for extremism in Bangladesh!”
- “One nation, one country, united Bangladesh!”
- “Why the attack in Rangpur? Authorities must answer!”
- “We want justice!”
- “Punish the attackers in Pirgachha!”
Background of the Rangpur Attack:
According to Hezbut Tawheed’s Rangpur divisional president, Abdul Quddus Shamim, he had organized a community gathering at his residence on February 25. He had informed local authorities, including the police and intelligence agencies, about the event. However, Jamaat-Shibir and extremist groups conspired against them from the beginning.
On February 24 at 9:00 AM, a group under the banner of “Muslim Tawhidi Janata,” led by local Jamaat-Shibir leaders, marched from Nagdah village to Chidamhat, about a kilometer away. Hezbut Tawheed members immediately reported this to the police and intelligence agencies, but no preventive action was taken in time.
Attack, Looting, and Violence”
The attackers first took control of the mosque’s microphone and spread provocative misinformation, such as “Hindus are attacking Muslims” and “Hezbut Tawheed members perform prayers behind women.” These false claims incited local residents.
Despite the presence of the military and police, the assailants vandalized and set fire to five houses, including that of Abdul Quddus Shamim. At least 20 Hezbut Tawheed members were injured, with seven suffering serious wounds. Two victims sustained broken legs, and one lost a finger.
The attackers looted televisions, refrigerators, furniture, and other valuables from five homes. Four local shops were also ransacked. Additionally, they stole 12 cows and five goats from cattle sheds. Hezbut Tawheed estimates the total loss to be approximately 17.6 million BDT.
Fear and Displacement Among Locals”
Even after the attack, extremists continued to hold rallies in the area, forcing local residents to participate. As a result, around 40 families were forced to flee their ancestral homes, with many living under open skies in dire conditions.
Legal Action and Investigation”
On February 27, a case was filed at Pirgachha Police Station by Abdul Quddus Shamim, the Rangpur divisional president of the organization. The case named 27 individuals and included 500–600 unidentified attackers as accused. The named suspects are: Md. Nur Alam (52), son of the late Habibullah from Nagdah village, Ward No. 2, Parul Union, Momin Ullah (55), son of the late Abdul Latif from the same village, Md. Mizanur Rahman (35), son of the late Nuru Mia (Nur Karim) from the same area, Abdur Rahim (35) from Arazi Chalunia village (father’s name unknown), Md. Nojir Hossain (50), son of the late Abdul Latif, Jahangir Alam (40), son of the late Mofiz Mia, Abdul Mannan (28), son of Tajul Islam from Nagdah village, Mahabul Islam, son of the late Dulal Mia, Jewel Rana (32), son of the late Kabir Hossain, Md. Ali Ahmed (55), son of the late Habibullah, Md. Mofiz Uddin (35), son of Abdul Monnaf, Md. Moktar Hossain (30), son of Marfot Ullah, Md. Monir Ahmed (55), son of the late Ismail Hossain, Md. Abul Bashar (45), son of the late Nuru Mia, Ahmad Ullah (50), son of Mohammad Ullah, Md. Belal Hossain (30), son of Nur Mohammad, Fazlu Mia (45), son of Nader Ali, Moktar Hossain (50), son of Maulana Mofiz Uddin from Bilbari Uttar Deuti, Asadul Islam (28), son of Bakkar Ali from Nagdah Khilibari village, Shariful Islam (30), son of Ruhul Amin Member from Nagdah village, Ismail Hossain (28) from Deuti (father’s name unknown), Muktar Hossain (25), son of Nur Mohammad from Chakrigachha village, Nasimul Islam (25), son of Attab Ali from Nagdah village, Zahid Hasan (22), son of Rafik, Abdul Kader, son of the late Monir Hossain, Jahangir, son of Mofiz Mia, Mosharraf Hossain (25), son of Abul Bashar.
Hezbut Tawheed leaders have reiterated their demand for swift justice and the immediate arrest of the attackers. However, law enforcement agencies have yet to make significant progress in the case.