Protest in Dhaka Over Attack on Hezbut Tawheed Members in Pabna

Members of Hezbut Tawheed staged a protest in Dhaka on Monday, condemning a recent attack on their members in Pabna and issuing a 72-hour ultimatum for the arrest of the perpetrators. The demonstration, held in front of the National Press Club, saw leaders warn of escalating actions if authorities fail to respond.

The attack occurred Sunday evening in Charghoshpur, Hemayetpur Union, Pabna Sadar Upazila. Witnesses reported that 20-25 attackers, armed with firearms and sharp weapons, targeted Hezbut Tawheed members, leaving at least 10 injured, one critically.

The incident follows a similar attack in 2022 in the same area, where assailants killed a member of the group and injured several others. Protesters claim that individuals involved in the previous attack, who were released on bail, led Sunday’s assault.

Addressing the protest, Hezbut Tawheed leaders alleged government inaction and criticized the judicial system for allowing repeat offenders to act with impunity.

“The same criminals are targeting us again and again while authorities remain silent. We demand justice now,” said Rufaidah Ponni, a central leader of the group’s women’s division.

Other speakers included Information Secretary S.M. Samsul Huda and Dhaka Metropolitan President Dr. Mahbub Alam Mahfuz, who called for immediate arrests and stronger protection measures.

Protesters recounted the August 2022 attack on the group’s Pabna office, during which a mob of 50 armed individuals killed a member, Sujan Mondol, and injured others. The attackers allegedly pressured the victim’s family and the case’s plaintiff to withdraw legal proceedings, eventually leading to Sunday’s renewed violence.

“Despite filing complaints and seeking legal recourse, the attackers continue to intimidate and harm us. How long must we endure this?” said Shafiqul Alam Okhba, the group’s Central Publicity Secretary.

Leaders of Hezbut Tawheed have given authorities 72 hours to arrest the perpetrators. They warned that failure to act would result in intensified protests and additional measures.

Local law enforcement has not commented on the allegations, and it remains unclear what steps, if any, are being taken to address the demands.

The attack has reignited concerns over law and order in Bangladesh, with rights groups urging immediate intervention to prevent further violence.