Attack on GM Quader’s Residence in Rangpur: Tension Escalates

Activists of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement launched an attack on the residence of Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader in Rangpur. The incident occurred around 9 PM on Thursday (May 29) at his Skyview residence in the Senpara area of the city. During the attack, enraged demonstrators set fire to a motorcycle parked outside and vandalized several others.

Following the incident, both the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and Jatiya Party activists took opposing positions, resulting in multiple chases and counter-chases between the two groups. The situation quickly escalated, prompting the Rangpur Metropolitan Police to deploy additional forces to bring the situation under control.

Earlier in the day, GM Quader arrived in Rangpur and gave an interview to journalists at his Skyview residence, discussing the current political situation and the Jatiya Party’s stance. Soon after, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement called for a protest, labeling Quader as an "ally of the Awami League" and demanding his arrest.

That evening, protesters gathered near the Rangpur Press Club and launched a demonstration. The protest march passed through key streets in the city and reached Grand Hotel intersection, adjacent to the BNP office. From there, they marched towards Skyview, where they began throwing stones and eventually set a motorcycle on fire, along with vandalizing several others.

Jatiya Party members rushed to the scene in response, which led to further tension and clashes between the two sides. Activists from the student movement regrouped near Town Hall, while Jatiya Party members took positions in front of their offices in Senpara and Central Road.

SM Yasir, General Secretary of the Rangpur Metropolitan unit of the Jatiya Party, said,

"We were peacefully working at our party office when we learned that protesters were attacking our chairman’s residence. This is a planned attack involving members of NCP and another political party. We believe in healthy politics, but those who started this fire today won’t be able to put it out easily."

Former Rangpur City Mayor and Jatiya Party Co-Chairman Mostafizar Rahman Mostafa added,

"There is no law and order in the country. If there were, such attacks would not happen. Now people can just gather 20 to 50 individuals and engage in mob violence. We are monitoring the situation and will make an organizational decision soon."

Meanwhile, Imtiaz Ahmed Imti, Convener of the Rangpur Metropolitan unit of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, wrote on Facebook,

"Jatiya Party members attacked our peaceful protest in Senpara. We call on the people of Rangpur and all political parties to join us at Town Hall."

Following the violence, additional police have been deployed in key areas across the city. Military patrols have also been intensified to ensure security and maintain law and order.