Attack and Arson at Jatiya Party Office in Dhaka’s Kakrail

On Friday, September 5, 2025, the Jatiya Party (JaPa) office in Dhaka’s Kakrail was once again subjected to an attack, vandalism, and arson. According to JaPa sources, eyewitnesses, and police, the incident occurred around 7:15 PM when a procession of Gono Odhikar Parishad passed by the JaPa office. Some individuals from the procession allegedly attacked the office, vandalized its ground floor, and set it on fire.

JaPa has accused Gono Odhikar Parishad of orchestrating the attack, while the latter denied any involvement, claiming no connection to the vandalism and arson. Eyewitnesses reported that a few JaPa leaders and activists were present at the office before the attack but left upon noticing the approaching procession. Although police were deployed at the scene, their limited numbers initially prevented them from stopping the attackers. Additional police forces later arrived, using water cannons and sound grenades to extinguish the fire and bring the situation under control by around 8:00 PM.

The attack disrupted traffic on the road in front of the JaPa office, causing severe congestion in nearby areas. The ground floor of the five-story building suffered significant damage, with furniture and documents burned. Banners featuring JaPa Chairman GM Quader, along with images of former leader Ershad and the party logo, were vandalized and thrown onto the street. After the incident, JaPa leaders and activists staged a protest rally in front of the office, chanting slogans such as “Jatiya Party, Jatiya Party, Zindabad Zindabad,” “GM Quader, move forward, we are with you,” and “Who says Ershad is gone? Ershad lives across Bangladesh.” This incident follows a clash between JaPa and Gono Odhikar Parishad on August 29, during which the JaPa office was also attacked. On that occasion, Gono Odhikar Parishad’s president, Nurul Haque, was seriously injured by law enforcement and remains hospitalized. JaPa’s Secretary General, Shameem Haider Patwary, visited the office after the attack and condemned the incident, stating, “A mob rule is prevailing in the country, and the government cannot evade responsibility.” He warned that if the attackers are not identified and brought to justice within 24 hours, JaPa would launch a nationwide movement. He also suggested that while the attack was carried out under Gono Odhikar Parishad’s banner, others with different affiliations might have been involved. JaPa’s Joint Secretary General, Yuber Alam Khan, who was present at the office during the attack, said they were preparing for a prayer event for Eid-e-Miladunnabi when the procession attacked and set fire to the office. He reported that at least four JaPa activists were injured. Gono Odhikar Parishad’s General Secretary, Md. Rashed Khan, denied involvement, stating, “After the July uprising, many people are angry with JaPa. The interim government is giving opportunities to JaPa, an ally of fascism. Angry students and citizens attacked the JaPa office, and it’s beyond our control. Gono Odhikar Parishad has no connection to this attack.”

Earlier that day, Gono Odhikar Parishad held a rally at Shahbagh, demanding justice for the attack on their leaders, the trial of JaPa and its allies, the cancellation of their registration, and a ban on their political activities, as well as the resignation of the Home Affairs Adviser for alleged failures.