NCP Convener Nahid Islam on Monday night blamed the administration for failing to ensure security at the party’s rally in Savar, where at least four people were injured in a crude bomb explosion.

Speaking in front of Savar Model Police Station after the blast, Nahid said the party would peacefully stay there and seek accountability from the police authorities over the attack.

“A political party has the democratic right to hold programmes. It is the duty of the police and the administration to ensure all kinds of security,” he said.

“The police administration and the MP of this area have failed to ensure people’s security,” he added.

According to hospital authorities, at least four people were injured in the explosion during the National Citizen Party rally in Savar on Monday night. Three of them were taken to the operating theatre at Enam Medical College Hospital.

After the blast, NCP leaders, led by Nahid, brought out a protest procession in Savar and later took position in front of Savar Model Police Station.

Addressing party activists and local people there, Nahid alleged that the attack took place with “administrative assistance”.

“We do not know who carried out the bomb attack. But we know the responsibility lies with the administration and the authorities,” he said.

He said the party would ask the police why they failed to ensure security, what steps they had taken, and how the attackers managed to carry out the bombing.

Nahid also alleged that those involved in rehabilitating “fascist Awami League leaders, activists and terrorists” in the area were known to them.

“We know who are involved in extortion, terrorism, corruption and drug trade in this area,” he said.

Calling upon the people to remain peaceful, Nahid said NCP wanted to speak in favour of the people.

“They thought they could stop our movement and our march by carrying out a major attack, frightening us and injuring us. That is not possible,” he said.

“If we die, we will die on the streets. We were ready to give our lives on the streets during July-August, and we are still ready,” he added.

Referring to earlier casualties during the July movement, Nahid said many of their brothers were injured and killed in Savar, and that the latest attack had again shed the blood of their activists.

“One of our brothers was injured today. Two of our brothers are seriously injured and are in hospital. We demand justice for their blood,” he said.

He also said the killers of Osman Hadi had not yet been brought to justice.

Nahid questioned whether Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government, and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed wanted to ensure law and order and public security.

“The people of Bangladesh have seen today what kind of security they want to ensure,” he said.

He then asked activists to stay peacefully in front of the police station while a delegation of five to 10 NCP leaders, including him, would go inside to speak to police.

“You will stay here until we return. But the sit-in must be peaceful. Make sure there is no disorder,” he said.

Nahid said the party would not leave the police station without accountability and justice.

“Shoot if you want. Fire if you want. Throw bombs if you want. But the NCP, July warriors, and all of us will stand on this street,” he said.

He said the party’s march would continue across the country despite the attack.

“From tomorrow, wherever we have pre-announced programmes in districts and upazilas, the march will continue,” he said.

“Even if there are only five people, we will march with those five. We will speak for the people with those five. We know it does not take long for five to become 5,000, and for 5,000 to become five lakh,” he added.

Nahid said there was no reason to be afraid as people across the country were with them.

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