The party leaders were stopped for around 30 minutes before police withdrew; they later staged a sit-in on the road.
Leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) faced police obstruction in Sreemangal while travelling from Moulvibazar to Habiganj this afternoon (29 July), leading to a heated exchange between the two sides.
The confrontation involved NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary and Northern Region Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam, among other party leaders.
After nearly 30 minutes of negotiations and arguments, police stepped aside, allowing the convoy to proceed towards Habiganj at 5pm.
However, shortly after resuming their journey, the NCP leaders staged a sit-in on the road in protest.
The party leaders had set out for Habiganj from the Moulvibazar Circuit House shortly after 4pm.
The delegation included NCP Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam, Nasiruddin Patwary, Sarjis Alam, lawmaker Hasnat Abdullah and lawmaker Mahmuda Mitu, among other senior leaders.
However, NCP media subcommittee member Yasir Arafat told The Business Standard that the convoy faced further obstruction at Kamai Chhara area of Habiganj, where a truck was placed across the road to block the route.
The party had announced the Habiganj protest following a clash between NCP activists and local leaders and activists of BNP's affiliated organisations after an NCP procession and rally in Habiganj district town yesterday (28 July).
Several NCP leaders, including Sarjis Alam, were injured in the clash, while several vehicles were vandalised, according to the party.
The situation escalated further after both NCP and the district Jubo Dal announced separate programmes in Habiganj today.
Considering the potential deterioration of law and order, the Habiganj district administration imposed Section 144 in the municipal area indefinitely.
Habiganj Superintendent of Police (SP) Tarique Mahmud said additional police personnel had been deployed at key points across the municipality to maintain order.
"Those involved in the attack on NCP leaders will be identified and legal action will be taken," he said.
FP/R
