GM Quader’s Uttara residence vandalised

An attack and vandalism at the Uttara residence of Jatiya Party (JAPA) Chairman GM Quader on Monday drew condemnation from several political parties, prompting police deployment in the area and a 24-hour ultimatum from JAPA for the arrest of those responsible.

JAPA warned that it would launch a tougher protest programme if the attackers were not arrested within the deadline.

Around 50 to 60 people marching under the banner of “General Public Against Autocracy (Sboirachar Birodhee Sadharon Janagan)” gathered outside Quader’s residence in Sector 7 of Uttara on Monday morning, chanting slogans and hurling bricks and stones at the house.

The attack damaged windowpanes, sending shattered glass into the drawing room. However, the assailants failed to enter the premises as the gate was locked. Quader was inside the house, having breakfast at the time. No injuries were reported.

According to Quader’s press secretary, Shourja Dipta Surja, the attack began around 10:40am, with 100 to 150 people gathering outside the residence. Uttara West Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Khalid Mansur, however, estimated the number of attackers at 30 to 40.

Deputy Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Uttara Division Rezaul Karim said police rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the attack, but the assailants had fled by then. The identities of those involved have yet to be confirmed, and an investigation is under way. No arrests had been reported as of the latest update, while police have been deployed in the area.

Meanwhile, JAPA organised a protest procession and rally in front of its central office to condemn the attack.

Bangladesh National Socialist Party (BJSD) President Sharif Nurul Ambia and General Secretary Nazmul Haque Pradhan also strongly condemned the attack and vandalism in a joint statement.