The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) has condemned an alleged attack on its central headquarters in Dhaka, demanded accountability for violence against political activists, and continued its campaign against agreements it considers detrimental to national sovereignty.
Communist Party of Bangladesh demands accountability after attack on its headquarters
On the night of 26 October, a group of people gathered outside Mukti Bhaban, the CPB’s headquarters in Dhaka’s Purana Paltan area, following a dispute over political slogans during a procession. The procession had been organised after the release of Dipak Shil, a former president of the Bangladesh Students’ Union who had been detained while participating in a protest in support of female Baul folk singers reportedly prevented from performing in Sunamganj.
According to CPB leaders and reports by Bangladeshi media, people identifying themselves as members of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s affiliated youth and student organisations objected to the chanting of “Joy Bangla” and “Joy Samajtantra”. CPB representatives said that activists were assaulted and that a crowd attempted to enter or surround the party headquarters. Two members of the Bangladesh Jubo Union, the party’s youth organisation, were reportedly injured.
Police said tensions had arisen over the slogans but denied that an assault or vandalism had occurred. BNP-affiliated organisations also denied responsibility.
On 27 October, CPB president Kazi Sazzad Zahir Chandan and general secretary Abdullah Kafi Ratan condemned the attack on the party’s headquarters and demanded that those responsible be identified and brought to justice. The party argued that violence and intimidation against political organisations undermine democratic rights and freedom of political activity.
The left-wing alliance Ganatantrik Jukta Front subsequently held a protest rally and procession outside the National Press Club in Dhaka, demanding an impartial investigation and protection for political organisations. Other left-wing groups also condemned the incident.
Campaign against the US trade agreement
The CPB is also preparing a major demonstration against Bangladesh’s trade agreement with the United States. Following a meeting on 1 October involving the party, the Imperialism and Anti-War Alliance and several labour organisations, the organisers announced a central rally for 30 October at Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar, demanding cancellation of the agreement.
Preparatory activities have included plans for workers’ rallies, publicity and outreach in industrial areas such as Narayanganj, Gazipur and Savar-Ashulia. The organisers argue that the agreement could undermine Bangladesh’s economic sovereignty and adversely affect working people.
The party has linked its opposition to the agreement with wider concerns about the cost of living, fuel prices, transport fares and shortages of gas, electricity and water. It has also questioned the transparency of negotiations and called for public scrutiny of arrangements with foreign economic powers.
(Photo: Dhaka Tribune)