The Bangladesh Tree Protection Movement (BTPM) today demanded that the government immediately form a probe committee to investigate an alleged attack on their activists and bring those responsible to justice.

The demand was made at a protest rally held at Panthakunja Park, jointly organised with Panthakunja Probhati Sangha.

Speakers at the rally also urged accountability for activists of "so-called green organisations" allegedly involved in environmental destruction and called for amendments to The Playground, Open Spaces, Parks, and Water Bodies Conservation Act of 2000 to ensure punishment for encroachment and related activities.

They said some green organinsations including Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon, Voice, RDRC, PIRJA, Golopbagh math Rokkhya Andolon, Jurain Football Academy, Jagoroni Krira Chakra and Paribesh Barta held a rally to protect Anowara park on Thursday.

Then the organisation members came to Panthakunja, where they attacked BTPM activists who were continuing their movement at the park.

They claimed the attack, led by Green Voice in the presence of BAPA's president and secretary, injured ten activists, three critically.

Speakers at the rally included Ibnul Sayed Rana, co-coordinator Ibnul Sayed Rana, Amirul Rajiv, convener of BTPM, Mamun Kabir of Dharitri Rokkhay Amra, and Samina Luthfa of the University Teachers Network, among others.

In response, BAPA issued a press release claiming the incident occurred when their group faced verbal abuse and physical assault, including their General Secretary Alamgir Kabir being pushed to the ground, when they went to Panthakunja to express solidarity.

They described the behaviour of BTPM activists as provocative and disrespectful.

BAPA condemned the incident and demanded accountability for those responsible.