Arson and vandalism at JaPa headquarters; Gono Odhikar declares non-involvement, alleges protesters departed from Paltan following rally

In a developing story, the Gono Odhikar Parishad has denied any involvement in the vandalism and arson attack on the Jatiyo Party's central office in Kakrail on August 30. The denial was made in a statement issued to our website this evening.

The statement comes after a clash between members of the police and alleged supporters of the Gono Odhikar Parishad in the Bijoy Nagar area. The demonstration held by the Gono Odhikar Parishad in Purana Paltan was in protest of yesterday's attack on their party's president, Nurul Haque Nur.

According to Ramna Police Station Officer-in-Charge Golam Faruk, 7-8 individuals, who were activists of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, set fire in front of the Jatiyo Party office. However, the senior leader of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, Abu Hanif, stated that their party leaders and activists had already left the area after completing a demonstration in Dhaka's Purana Paltan. He added that the Gono Odhikar Parishad had no scheduled programs near the Jatiyo Party office.

Abu Hanif also suggested that the attack on the Jatiyo Party office may have been carried out by agitators due to anger against the party over the last 15 years under a perceived fascist regime. He did not provide any specific details about the alleged motivations behind the attack.

The Gono Odhikar Parishad is demanding the resignation of the home adviser in relation to the incident. However, no further details were provided about the specific actions or decisions of the home adviser that led to this demand.

Meanwhile, the groups that gathered in Kakrail on the evening of August 30 and attacked the Jatiyo Party headquarters were primarily supporters of the Bangladesh Awami League, according to unconfirmed reports.

Police used sound grenades, water cannons, and charged batons to disperse protesters from Kakrail. Jatiyo Party's Dhaka district Organising Secretary Laizul Islam alleged that Gono Odhikar Parishad leaders and activists vandalised and set fire to their office around 6:30 pm.

This is a rapidly evolving story, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming hours. Stay tuned for updates.

Arson and vandalism at JaPa headquarters; Gono Odhikar declares non-involvement, alleges protesters departed from Paltan following rally