July Fighters Allege Assault at State Reception

Two individuals identifying themselves as July fighters have alleged that they were assaulted, verbally abused and forcibly removed from a state-organised reception in Shariatpur marking July Mass Uprising Day. The allegations have been directed at several local leaders and activists of the BNP, including Mahbub Morshed Tipu Madbar, General Secretary of Shariatpur Sadar Upazila BNP. The accused has rejected claims of physical assault, insisting that only a heated argument took place before the two men were escorted out of the venue.

The incident reportedly occurred at around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the Shariatpur Municipality Auditorium, where the district administration had organised a reception and discussion programme in honour of the families of those killed during the July Mass Uprising and individuals recognised as July fighters.

Shortly after the event, several videos circulated widely on social media. The footage appears to show Mahbub Morshed Tipu Madbar exchanging heated words with Zakir Hossain Mintu, also known as Adar, and Imran Al Nazir, the former convener of the Shariatpur district unit of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. The videos also show pushing and shoving before the two men are escorted from the auditorium.

Zakir Hossain Mintu, who claims he was assaulted during the incident, alleged that tensions had already begun before he entered the venue.

According to him, a group of BNP activists had been creating a disturbance while questioning whether there had been any July fighters or significant protest movement in Shariatpur. He claimed that after entering the auditorium, he was challenged about his identity and then physically attacked.

“They asked me who I was,” Mintu said. “After that, Tipu Madbar repeatedly struck me and forced me out of the programme. I strongly condemn and protest against what happened.”

Imran Al Nazir made similar allegations, claiming that he and others had attended the ceremony at the invitation of the Deputy Commissioner as part of an official state function.

He alleged that several BNP leaders and activists, led by Tipu Madbar, attacked them and removed them from the venue by force.

“The entire incident happened in front of the administration,” Imran said. “Despite witnessing everything, no action was taken.”

Mahbub Morshed Tipu Madbar denied allegations of assault and offered a different version of events.

He claimed that the BNP had played a significant role in the July movement, adding that this had also been acknowledged publicly by the Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami. According to Tipu Madbar, the movement had been carried out under the leadership of Tarique Rahman.

He further alleged that Imran Al Nazir and several leaders associated with the National Citizen Party (NCP) had repeatedly made derogatory remarks about Tarique Rahman and his family over an extended period. He claimed similar comments were made during Wednesday’s programme, prompting protests from BNP supporters.

“An argument followed,” he said. “They were then asked to leave the venue. There was no physical assault.”

Members of the law enforcement agencies were present at the venue during the incident. However, Additional Superintendent of Police Md Tanvir Hossain declined to comment when approached regarding the allegations.

Deputy Commissioner Tahsina Begum also gave a cautious response. She stated that no untoward incident had occurred while the official programme itself was in progress.

“It is possible that something happened before the programme began,” she said. “We completed the event peacefully. I will be able to comment further after learning the full details.”

The reception formed part of nationwide state observances marking July Mass Uprising Day. Across Bangladesh, district administrations organised commemorative programmes, discussions and receptions to honour those killed during the July movement as well as individuals recognised for their participation.

In Shariatpur, the district administration’s event began at 10:00 a.m. and brought together members of martyrs’ families, July fighters, representatives of various political parties and members of civil society. The programme was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Tahsina Begum.

The allegations surrounding the Shariatpur event have since attracted significant public attention, particularly following the circulation of video footage online. While those claiming to be victims insist they were assaulted and humiliated at an official state ceremony, the accused maintains that the confrontation was limited to a verbal dispute. As of now, no official investigation or administrative action has been publicly announced, and the differing accounts remain unresolved.