Desk : The student-led party that emerged from the violent protests of 2024, which ultimately led to the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led government in Bangladesh amid widespread discontent over a quota reform announcement, has issued a controversial warning, stating that “nobody can outdo us in violence.”
The remarks were made by National Citizen Party spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, who previously served as an adviser in the post-uprising interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. During that interim period, Bangladesh witnessed months of street unrest and several incidents of targeted attacks, particularly against minority communities, including Hindus.
The National Citizen Party was formed in the aftermath of the 2024 protests and later played a role in shaping the interim political framework that governed the country until the scheduled 2026 elections. These developments followed long-standing allegations from opposition groups that the earlier Sheikh Hasina government had restricted political freedoms and failed to ensure free and fair elections.
In the subsequent elections, the National Citizen Party participated but did not secure victory. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, emerged as the winner and formed the government.
Since the election, tensions have persisted between BNP supporters and members of the National Citizen Party, with both sides accusing each other of political provocation. Reports suggest that despite attempts by Tarique Rahman to engage with the opposition, clashes between supporters of the two groups have continued in several areas.
Amid these tensions, Asif Mahmud warned the ruling party against confrontation, stating, “If you wish to inflict this upon us, this battle will not be fought against any single political party, specific ideology, or doctrine; this battle will be waged against an entire generation. Sheikh Hasina made the mistake of fighting this generation. I hope Tarique Rahman will not repeat that mistake.”
His comments came following a recent clash in Jhenaidah, where supporters of the National Citizen Party and the BNP reportedly confronted each other. The incident allegedly began when an egg was thrown at National Citizen Party chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, triggering a confrontation in the town.
Local residents reported that tensions escalated into clashes between the two groups, prompting police deployment in the area to restore order.