Nur's condition stable, not out of danger

The health condition of Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) was stable but not out of danger, said a doctor of a medical board.

Director of DMCH Brig Gen Md Asaduzzaman told the media that Nur sustained injuries above his eyes and suffered minor brain bleeding.

He said that Nur sustained a head injury and a nasal fracture, which caused excessive bleeding.

The bleeding had since been controlled and he regained sense on Saturday.

Nur was initially treated in the casualty department, then moved to the One Stop Emergency Centre and finally admitted to the ICU (Intensive Care Unit).

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus inquired about the treatment of Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur on Saturday.

Professor Yunus personally contacted the attending physicians to assess Nurul Haque's condition and reassured that the interim government would provide all necessary medical assistance in his treatment.

A senior official from the Chief Adviser's Office (CAO) confirmed the conversation and said that the chief adviser had wished Nurul Haque a speedy recovery.

Yunus also extended sympathy and encouragement to the family, urging them to stay strong during this challenging time.

The interim government also strongly condemned the brutal attack on Nurul Haque Nur, a prominent leader of the July Uprising.

"Such acts of violence are an assault not only on Mr. Nur but also on the spirit of the democratic movement that brought the nation together in its historic struggle for justice and accountability," said a statement issued by the government on Saturday. It termed Nur as a tireless advocate of democracy, justice, and the rights of the people.

It said the interim government assured the people of Bangladesh that a thorough and impartial investigation into the heinous incident would be conducted with utmost urgency.

"No individual, regardless of influence or position, will be spared from accountability. Justice will be delivered transparently and swiftly," the statement read.

A specialised medical board has been formed to oversee the treatment of Nur and other injured members of his party, it said. "The Government is committed to ensuring that they receive the highest standard of medical care. Should their conditions require it, they will be flown abroad for advanced treatment at state expense".

The nation's prayers and solidarity remain with Nur, injured members of his party and their families during this critical time, the statement said.

"Mr. Nurul Haque Nur played a historic role during the 2018 anti-quota protests against the fascist regime of Sheikh Hasina. As a student leader, he mobilised the youth, uniting diverse voices and standing fearlessly against injustice," it added.

Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP) Secretary Rashed Khan on Friday night alleged that members of the Bangladesh Army and police jointly attacked their party leaders and activists while they were preparing for a scheduled press conference in front of the party office.

Additionally, he claimed that more than 100 GOP leaders and activists were also injured in the attack.

"I am astonished that the Army and police carried out an attack on leaders and activists of a registered political party. This is really unfortunate," Rashed said with frustration.

Leaders of different political parties strongly condemned the physical assault on Gono Odhikar Parishad president and former vice-president of DUCSU (Dhaka University Central Students' Union) Nurul Haque Nur that left him severely injured.

Strongly condemning the attack on Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur and the violence in Kakrail, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman urged the government to launch a proper investigation into the violent incidents.

"I wish Nur a quick recovery and urge the government for a lawful investigation into the incident," he said in a post on his verified Facebook page on Saturday.

Tarique said the BNP greatly condemned the attack on Nur and the violent incidents that unfolded in Kakrail.

He said the country was passing through an extremely delicate period of democratic transition, where the first step was holding a national election.

In a statement, Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that BNP always respected the rights to hold peaceful political programmes and did not support any activity that undermines democratic practices.

"We strongly condemn the attack on Gono Odhikar Parishad president Nurul Haque Nur, and its general secretary Rashed Khan and their activists. We demand proper medical treatment for the injured and wish them a speedy recovery," he said.

Mirza Fakhrul demanded all possible steps to ensure Nur and Rashed's proper treatment and wished their speedy recovery.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami secretary general Mia Golam Parwar also expressed grave concern over the incident, condemning the assault on Nurul Haque Nur and his supporters.

"This brutal attack is deeply concerning and shameful at a time when the nation is moving forward to build a new Bangladesh. We demand immediate arrest and punishment of those responsible," he said. He demanded banning Jatiya Party as a political organisation.

Islami Andolon Bangladesh strongly protested at the incident.

"Such an attack on a frontline anti-fascist leader like Nurul Haque Nur is totally unacceptable. The July uprising was meant to resist any return of fascism, yet this attack reminds us of the past fascist practices. The authorities must identify those responsible and ensure accountability," said joint secretary general of the party and its spokesperson Gazi Ataur Rahman.

The Amar Bangladesh Party in a statement said that Nur and his followers came under attack by police and army personnel.

The party said that nearly 50 activists including Nur himself were injured in the indiscriminate attack. "We strongly condemn this heinous assault," said a senior leader of the party.

Protesting at the attack, National Citizen Party staged a demonstration at Banglamotor in the capital on Friday night and also brought out a procession.

Earlier on the day, BNP Health Secretary Rafiqul Islam visited Nur. He received updates on his treatment.

After seeing Nur in intensive care, senior BNP standing committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said the nation would not accept such an assault.

The interim government has decided to conduct a judicial investigation into the attack on Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur and leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement.

"The decision was taken at an important meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at Jamuna here today," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters in front of the Chief Advisor's residence, Jamuna on Saturday.

Activists of different allied groups also staged protests in different parts of the capital, demanding justice over the attack on former DUCSU VP Nurul Haque Nur on the day.

They also issued an ultimatum for the arrest of Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader.

The July Revolutionary Alliance (JRA) announced a 24-hour ultimatum to arrest GM Quader. The ultimatum was declared at an emergency press conference and effigy burning programme in front of Quader's Uttara residence.

During the demonstration, JRA spokesperson Fantasir Mahmud accused the Jatiya Party of trying to legitimise three consecutive elections and demanded that the party itself be banned through investigation.

According to bdnews24.com, activists of Gono Odhikar Parishad staged highway blockades in Rajshahi and Sirajganj to protest the assault on party chief Nurul Haque Nur.

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