At least three people were injured after a reported bomb explosion struck a rally organised by Bangladesh’s student-led National Citizen Party (NCP) in Savar, near Dhaka, on Monday night. The blast occurred at around 9.45 pm while the political gathering was underway, according to the party, marking the opening day of a nationwide march demanding political and economic reforms.In a statement issued late on Monday, the NCP alleged that the attack targeted its post-march rally.“Terrorists detonated a bomb at the post-march rally venue of the NCP in Savar. The explosion took place at around 9:45 PM on Monday while the rally was underway at the Savar Thana Stand Eidgah field,” the party said.The rally was led by students who spearheaded the movement against former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and was part of the NCP’s July March campaign. The nationwide programme coincides with the second anniversary of the student protests that ultimately led to Hasina’s removal from power.According to the NCP, the July March was organised to press for the implementation of a referendum, job creation, resolution of the country’s power crisis, control of rising commodity prices and stronger border protection.The march forms part of a broader campaign announced by the newly formed political party to mobilise support across Bangladesh throughout July.Sheikh Hasina left for India on August 5, 2024, following the political upheaval that came to be known as the “July Revolution”.Separately, ministry of external affairs confirmed on April 17 that it is reviewing a formal request from Bangladesh seeking Hasina’s extradition through established legal and judicial channels.MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the request is being examined as India works to stabilise relations with Bangladesh’s new government following the country’s political transition.
