Clashes erupt at NCP rally in Bogura in presence of Sarjis

A National Citizen Party (NCP) rally demanding a ban on Awami League erupted into violence on Wednesday, April 30, as factions of the anti-discrimination student movement clashed in the presence of NCP Chief Organiser (Northern Region) Sarjis Alam. 

The incident occurred around 5:15 pm at the Shaheed Titu Auditorium premises (Municipal Park).

Eyewitnesses reported that Sarjis Alam and other NCP central leaders arrived at the venue by 4:30 pm. As speeches were underway, a group from the anti-discrimination student movement entered with a procession and raised slogans against Sarjis, sparking a confrontation with his supporters. 

The dispute escalated into a fierce brawl between the two sides, even as NCP leaders continued speaking on stage.

Central Joint Member Secretary Tahsin Riaz, Joint Principal Organizer (Northern Region) Shakib Mahdi, and others delivered brief remarks, while Sarjis spoke for four minutes before leaving the stage. 

Bogura Sadar Police Station OC SM Moinuddin, present at the scene, said Sarjis’ supporters chased and expelled the opposing group after the clash.

NCP Bogura organiser Ahmed Sabbir alleged that “unruly supporters” of a recently expelled NCP leader, alongside some anti-discrimination movement activists, disrupted the rally by targeting Sarjis, leading to the scuffle. The group was subsequently driven out of the venue.