Tensions Erupt in London Over National Citizen Party Event; Police Detain Three

A political event in East London linked to Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party (NCP) turned tense on Monday, resulting in protests, egg-throwing incidents, and physical altercations, with at least three people detained by police.

The event, organized by the NCP UK Alliance at the Maedah Grill restaurant near East London Mosque, featured senior NCP leader and parliament member Hasnat Abdullah as the chief guest.

According to organizers, protests began before the meeting started when supporters and members of the UK Awami League and affiliated groups gathered outside the venue. Counter-presence from NCP supporters was also reported at the scene.

Tensions escalated when eggs were thrown toward NCP supporters. Police were deployed in large numbers to control the situation as the area became increasingly volatile.

Although the event was scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. local time, the situation delayed proceedings, and Hasnat Abdullah reportedly arrived nearly three hours late under tight police protection before delivering his speech. He later left the venue under police escort.

Local sources said London police detained at least three individuals in connection with the unrest, including Afser Khan Sadeq, a joint general secretary of the London Metropolitan Awami League. Social media videos showed him being handcuffed and placed into a police van. However, authorities have not yet confirmed the specific charges.

Footage circulating online also showed NCP central joint convener Ehteshamul Haque being struck by eggs during the confrontation. He was later seen in a verbal altercation with Shah Shamim, the office secretary of the UK Awami League, which escalated into physical scuffles.

In a statement, the NCP UK Alliance alleged that Awami League activists attempted to disrupt the gathering through “provocative and pre-planned” actions, describing the incidents as “cowardly” and part of a pattern of political intolerance.

The group further claimed that such behavior reflects a failure to move beyond confrontational politics, adding that the people of Bangladesh had already rejected such political culture during the “July uprising,” which they said led to a broader rejection of authoritarian practices.

Police have not yet released full details regarding the detentions or whether charges will be filed. Investigations are ongoing.