Party claims attempt on senior leaders' lives was premeditated; police launch investigation into reported assault near Tangon Bridge

Thakurgaon, July 4 – A motorcade of the National Citizen Party (NCP), participating in the ongoing “July March,” was reportedly attacked on Friday afternoon while en route from Thakurgaon Sadar to Pirganj. The incident took place near the Tangon Bridge area shortly after the party concluded a scheduled program in the district.

According to accounts from party members and witnesses, the NCP delegation had completed prayers at a mosque near the Thakurgaon Art Gallery and was heading toward Pirganj when a long-distance inter-district passenger bus allegedly collided with their motorcade near the Tangon Bridge. The collision caused damage to one of the vehicles, prompting party members to stop and seek an explanation. At that point, a group of five to six unidentified individuals reportedly attacked them.

During the altercation, the driver of the damaged vehicle and an NCP activist sustained injuries. They were provided with initial medical assistance, and their condition is said to be stable.

The NCP leadership has claimed that the attack was not accidental but a deliberate and premeditated attempt on the lives of senior party figures. The party alleges that the attackers aimed to assassinate key leaders by orchestrating a bus crash. However, they believe the attackers failed to correctly identify the targeted vehicle. As a result, the alleged assailants physically assaulted party members after the initial collision failed to achieve its presumed goal.

Speaking to the media, Thakurgaon NCP spokesperson Apu said the nature of the incident suggests that top leaders such as NCP Convener Nahid Islam or senior organizer Sarjis Alam may have been the intended targets. He asserted that the use of a large vehicle like a passenger bus in a high-speed collision indicates a plan designed for fatal consequences. He called for a thorough investigation and protection for party leadership during their ongoing political campaign.

Law enforcement authorities have responded to the incident. Officer-in-Charge of Thakurgaon Sadar Police Station, Sarwar Hossain, confirmed that he visited the location soon after being informed. He acknowledged that the NCP has reported the incident as a targeted attack and has submitted video evidence showing at least one individual allegedly involved in the assault.

“We have received a complaint and seen some footage that may assist in identifying the attackers,” OC Sarwar said. “An investigation is underway, and appropriate legal action will follow based on the findings.”

The incident has cast a shadow over NCP's "July March," a campaign aimed at political reform and national mobilization. As the party continues its journey through the northern regions of Bangladesh, concerns regarding the safety and security of its participants have now become a point of public and political discussion.