Chhatra Dal supporters in Natore are said to have attacked an anti-Discrimination Student Movement event that featured a meeting with victim families and a conversation on terrorism, extortion, and corruption.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’s central coordinator, Mahin Sarker, verified the incident to the Dhaka Tribune on Wednesday afternoon. It took place in the city’s Anima Chowdhury Auditorium.

Mahin Sarker, Iftikhar Alam, Kurratul Ain Kaniz, and Faisal Ahmed were in Natore at the time.

Mahin Sarker told Dhaka Tribune: “While we were discussing various issues of Natore with the administration, the attackers carried out the attack. We were not on stage at that time.”

He added: “We have learned from local sources that the BNP considers us as a threat. This attack occurred in response to criticism of Tarique Rahman.”

He also mentioned that a similar attack had previously occurred in Sirajganj.

However, Nasir Uddin Nasir, the central general secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Chatra Dal, denied involvement in the attack.

He told Dhaka Tribune: “The incident of the attack is very unfortunate. We demand that those responsible be brought to justice. However, no leaders or activists of our party are involved. If specific information is provided, we will take action.”