A sudden act of violence rocked the capital’s Uttara area on Monday morning when unidentified miscreants launched a targeted attack on the residence of Jatiya Party Chairman and Leader of the Opposition, GM Quader.
The incident unfolded at approximately 10:40 am while the veteran politician was inside his home. According to eyewitnesses and party sources, the onslaught was preceded by a sudden demonstration under the banner of “Anti-Autocracy General People.” A procession assembled directly in front of Mr Quader’s residence, with demonstrators chanting provocative slogans against the Jatiya Party leadership. Within minutes, the gathering turned volatile as individuals from the crowd began hurling bricks and stones at the house.
The sudden volley of projectiles caused widespread panic across the neighbourhood, prompting nearby shopkeepers to pull down their shutters and pedestrians to scatter for safety.
Law enforcement agencies moved swiftly to secure the perimeter. Khalid Mansur, the Officer-in-Charge of Uttara West Police Station, confirmed that a rapid response team was dispatched immediately upon receiving reports of the disturbance.
“Security across the immediate area has been significantly reinforced, and a police contingent remains deployed on-site to forestall further unpleasant incidents,” the police official stated, adding that officers are actively reviewing local CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators and initiate legal proceedings.
Shaurya Dipta Surya, Press Secretary to the Jatiya Party Chairman, confirmed the breach, characterizing the attack as a deliberate and pre-planned attempt to intimidate the opposition leadership. While police managed to bring the immediate situation under control, party officials have not yet formally confirmed whether Mr Quader or any household members sustained physical injuries during the barrage.
The press secretary indicated that senior party leaders are holding emergency consultations to determine their official stance and chart out subsequent political programmes. Meanwhile, grassroots leaders and party activists have voiced strong condemnation, demanding swift judicial action against those responsible.
This violent occurrence highlights the ongoing volatility characterising Bangladesh’s contemporary political landscape. The Jatiya Party, originally founded by former President Hussain Muhammad Ershad in the 1980s, has long navigated a complex role within the national political sphere. Having served both as a critical parliamentary opposition and as a coalition partner in previous administrations, the party frequently finds itself at the centre of intense debate regarding democratic representation and parliamentary legitimacy.
In recent times, opposition figures and political headquarters have faced heightened security risks amidst shifting political dynamics in Dhaka. Monday’s attack on a high-profile opposition leader’s private residence marks a concerning escalation, underscoring the delicate state of public order and the urgent need for law enforcement to maintain stability in the capital.
