BNP holds countrywide road march amid obstruction, detention

Staff Reporter :
The district level road march programme orchestrated by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Saturday was reportedly marked by clashes and obstructions with police in different districts, leaving several people injured.
In support of the 10-point demand including the restoration of democracy, BNP brought out road programme, but BNP and law enforcers were locked in sporadic clashes in four districts, while police had obstructed road march programmes in three other districts.
Even in Natore, a handmade cocktail was exploded near the BNP district office before embarking on the programme.
It was reported that three policemen had been injured in clashes with BNP leaders and workers on a procession in Jhalokathi. There have been incidents of clashes between Awami League and BNP leaders and workers in Nilphamari as well. Police in Patuakhali used batons to disperse BNP procession, leaving several people injured, while in Bagherhat, BNP has alleged that at least 40 leaders and activists have been detained by police during the procession.
Awami League leaders and workers in Netrokona accused BNP of attacking them during their peaceful programme.
As part of their pre-scheduled programme, BNP brought out the processions demanding a reduction in the prices of essential goods such as electricity, gas, rice, and oil, and an end to repression and harassment against their leaders and workers.
From the road march programme, BNP central leaders called for the release of opposition leaders and activists, including BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. They also demanded for the resignation of the government and the dissolution of the parliament.
On the other hand, Jubo League, a youth wing of the Awami League, was also arranged rallies in different districts and metropolitan cities as a counter programme of BNP.
In Jhalakathi, three policemen were injured in a clash with the police during the BNP’s procession. The BNP has claimed that over a hundred leaders and workers were injured when the police baton charged them.
The incident took place at Shadhona intersection and in front of BNP’s party office at Amtola intersection in the morning.
The injured police officers were identified as Jhalakathi Sadar Police Inspector (Investigation) Firoz Kamal, Deputy Inspector (SI) Nazrul Islam, and Mohammad Shafiqur Rahman. After being hurt by brickbats, they had been admitted to Jhalakathi Sadar Hospital for treatment.
Later police picked up 15 leaders and workers of BNP including Member Secretary of district Jubo Dal Anisur Rahman and Joint Convener of Sadar Upazila Chhatra Dal Md Tauhid. In Netrakona, BNP leaders and activists from each Upazila, Union, and Ward gathered in various areas including Parla bus station, Bonoyapara, Kurpara, and Moktarpara.
BNP alleged that leaders and workers of the Awami League attacked their activists suddenly. Their banners and festoons were torn down and set on fire, and there were several cocktail explosions including vandalism of motorcycles and microbuses. Police fired two blank shots to control the situation in the Kurpara area. At least 23 BNP leaders and workers were injured in the attack.
The district BNP secretary Rafiqul Islam Hilaly, said that 23 BNP leaders and workers were injured in the Awami League’s attack. Following this, the police detained five BNP leaders and workers.
However, the General Secretary of the district Awami League Shamshur Rahman stated that BNP leaders and workers may be injured due to their internal conflict.
The police obstructed BNP’s procession in Bagerhar and BNP claimed that 40 leaders and activists of the party have been arrested from various areas of the city including Munigong, Puratan Bazar, and Thana More on Saturday.
Earlier on February 11, the BNP along with opposition parties organised a nationwide procession. BNP at that time alleged that their leaders and activities in 40 unions in different districts were attacked during the procession.
Afterward, on February 18, the party carried out a procession in 11 major cities, including Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, and Sylhet.
On February 17, the party organised two processions in the northern and southern parts of Dhaka city.
BNP said they would continue their programmes to realise their 10-point charter of demand.