Jamaat-Shibir severed Gono Odhikar activist's leg tendons: press conference in Kushtia

Leaders of the Gono Odhikar Parishad in Kushtia have alleged that Jamaat-Shibir leaders and activists launched an attack on their peaceful rally, severing the tendons in the legs of one of their activists. The allegation was raised on Sunday night during a press conference held at the Kushtia Press Club by District Gono Odhikar Parishad Organizing Secretary Towkir Ahmed.

Reading out a written statement, Towkir Ahmed stated that their pre-announced rally was underway at the Chhati Rasta intersection of the city on Saturday afternoon. Towards the end of the concluding remarks, Member of Parliament Amir Hamza and nearby Jamaat-Shibir activists allegedly carried out a sudden attack. The assault resulted in the severing of both tendons in an activist's legs, while another leader suffered a broken nasal bone and a split forehead, alongside numerous other leaders and activists sustaining serious injuries, he claimed.

He further alleged that following the attack, the personal business establishment of District Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Abdul Khaleq was also vandalized. Cash, merchandise, and various electronic goods were damaged during the incident, he claimed.

Questioning MP Amir Hamza's decision to drive through that specific route during the ongoing rally, Towkir Ahmed remarked that Hamza could have taken an alternative route home, suggesting that stopping his vehicle in front of the rally indicated an "ulterior motive."

Responding to statements previously made by Amir Hamza, Towkir Ahmed challenged at the press conference, "An accusation has been made against me that I threw the first brick. If you can show any photo or video of that, I will quit politics. If you fail to provide proof, Amir Hamza must apologize."

The Gono Odhikar Parishad stated that several injured leaders and activists are undergoing treatment in Dhaka, and a formal complaint (ejahar) has been submitted to the police station regarding the incident. The press conference was attended by the party's Khulna Divisional Chief Coordinator Shakil Ahmed (Tiyas), District Acting President Rashedul Islam, along with other district and student wing leaders.