Staff Reporter :
At least 20 people, including policemen and journalists, were injured in a clash between police and the activists of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Rajbari on Saturday.
The clash took place at the entrance of the Deputy Commissioner’s office at noon when leaders and activists of the party were marching in a procession in the town marking the BNP’s 45th founding anniversary.
Police also arrested at least 15 BNP men from the spot.
Sources said, BNP men and police were involved in a clash when the procession was coming toward BNP leader Ali Newaz Mahmud Khoiyam’s house.
At that time, the area turned into a battlefield. Police threw tear shells, rubber bullets and some rounds of bullets to bring the situation under control.
Ali Newaz Mahmud Khoiyam, former president of BNP’s Rajbari district unit, said, “We started our procession peacefully with the permission of the administration.
But police suddenly opened fire from behind the procession without any provocation.
Around 16 to 18 of our activists were injured in that incident.
We strongly condemn and protest the incident.”
In this regard, GM Abul Kalam Azad, Superintendent of Police in Rajbari said, “The activists of BNP started throwing brick chunks at the police.
They also tore down Mourning Day placards, festoons, and pylons.
They were carrying lethal weapons.
The police then threw tear shells, rubber bullets and some rounds of bullets to bring the situation under control.
We detained several persons till now.
“Four police personnel were injured. They are under treatment at Rajbari Sadar Hospital.”
