The National Citizen Party (NCP) Member Secretary Akhter Hossain. Photo: Collected

  DHAKA, June 23, 2024 (BSS) – The National Citizen Party (NCP) Member Secretary Akhter Hossain at a midnight protest rally said if anyone thinks grenade attacks or bomb blasts can suppress the voice of justice or halt our progress — they are gravely mistaken.

“The violent attempts cannot bring back “the fallen fascist order” nor will they derail the ongoing reforms efforts,” Akhter told a protest rally in front of the giant screen of Shahbagh intersection around 12:00 am today (Tuesday) protesting back-to-back cocktail attacks near its central office at Bangla motor.

Akhter said the twin explosions — occurring just as the party submitted its registration application to the Election Commission — are part of a coordinated attempt to destabilize the party and suppress its reformist agenda.

“The old establishment, which built its power on corruption, violence, and authoritarianism, now feels threatened by a people-centered movement,” he said adding, “The attacks are not isolated. They are part of a broader strategy to recreate an environment of fear and push the country back toward failed fascist rule.”

“The spirit of people’s uprising cannot be stopped by making NCP activists insecure. Even if our lives are at stake, we will not retreat by a single step,” he said.

Akhter claimed that since its rise as a reform-oriented political force, its digital and grassroots activists have increasingly come under both online and street-level assault. Monday’s incident, he noted, shows how those threats are now materializing in physical violence.

Akhter also said despite repeated provocations and unlawful street marches by elements of the banned Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League, no arrests have been made. “This silence is emboldening fascist remnants,” Akhter said.

Calling for urgent action, the NCP leader demanded immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks and all individuals conspiring to destabilize the democratic process.

“We want to make it clear: no matter how many bombs are thrown, no matter how much intimidation we face — the goal of this uprising will not be compromised,” Akhter said, adding, “We are carrying the dreams of our martyred brothers. Our struggle is rooted in the people — and it will not be stopped by fear.”

Senior leaders of the party were also present at the midnight protest.