Army launches probe into attack on GM Quader’s Rangpur residence

The Bangladesh Army has launched an investigation into the recent attack on Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader’s Rangpur residence, "The Sky View".

As part of it, Metropolitan Anti-Discrimination Student Movement convener Imtiaz Ahmed Imti and district convener Imran Ahmed were detained by army personnel around 12:30am on Saturday (May 31) at Payra Chattar in Rangpur. They were shown video footage and still images to help identify individuals involved in the attack.

The two had earlier visited Kotwali Police Station to lodge a complaint against Jatiya Party activists but were later summoned by the army for questioning.

The interrogation was overseen by Brigadier General Humayun Qayyum, commander of the 72nd Infantry Brigade.

Leaders from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) were also drawn into the investigation. BNP Metropolitan Convener Shamsuzzaman Samu, Member Secretary Mahfuz Un Nabi Don, and District Member Secretary Anisur Rahman Laku were called in to clarify whether any of their party activists were involved in the attack.

Speaking to reporters, Samu confirmed, “The army showed us the video footage, and we were able to identify at least one person. If any of our members are found guilty of such acts, strict organisational action will be taken.”

Brigadier General Qayyum emphasised the army’s neutral and strong stance against political violence, stating, “The Bangladesh Army will act firmly against any wrongdoing, regardless of party affiliation. Our goal is to protect the public and uphold peace.”

He added that those detained cooperated during the investigation and expressed regret upon recognising individuals from their own groups holding sticks and participating in the assault. They have pledged to present the identified persons to the authorities by Sunday.

Meanwhile, Sarjis Alam, chief organiser (northern region) of the National Citizens Party (NCP), visited the scene around 1:30am and engaged with the army officials. On Facebook, he issued a warning, saying, “If the attackers are not arrested, we will take to the streets of Rangpur again.”

At around 11:30pm that same night, NCP’s Rangpur organiser Alamgir Rahman Nayan filed a formal complaint at the Metropolitan Kotwali Police Station. A case was subsequently filed naming GM Quader, former Rangpur Mayor Mostafizur Rahman Mostafa, and 18 other Jatiya Party leaders and activists as accused.