NCP’s Nahid visits July activist Atiqul, who lost his arm

Atiqul’s prosthetic hand was torn off during a police crackdown on a protest ahead of the July Charter signing ceremony

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has visited Atiqul Islam, a July activist who was injured during a protest ahead of the July Charter signing ceremony.

Nahid went to Atiqul’s house in Uttara’s Azampur around 9pm on Saturday to inquire about his condition.

Atiqul lost his right hand after being shot by police during last year's July Uprising that toppled the Awami League regime. Doctors later fitted him with a prosthetic hand.

Hours before the July Charter signing ceremony on Friday, the July activists and their relatives gathered at the venue, demanding state recognition, legal protection and rehabilitation for those injured in the uprising.

During the event at the South Plaza of the Parliament Building, National Consensus Commission Vice-President Ali Riaz announced that amendments would be made to the July Charter to address their demands.

Despite that assurance, when the July activists refused to leave, police chased and beat them with batons.

Officers also used tear gas and sound grenades to disperse the crowd.

Atiqul’s prosthetic arm was torn off during the police action.