PM's birthday celebrations: 50 hurt in AL factional clash in Rangpur

Our Correspondent :
At least 50 people were injured during a clash between two factions of the ruling Awami League (AL) in Mithapukur Upazila of Rangpur district on Friday afternoon.

Some police personnel also injured in the incident which took place in front of the upazila parishad at around 4:00pm.

The injured were admitted to a local hospital for treatment, said Mithapukur Police Station Sub-inspector Monibur Rahman.
“Eight to ten police personnel including Officer-in-Charge Mustafizur Rahman were among the injured,” he added.

The situation is currently under control, and additional police have been deployed at the spot, the SI said.

According to police and locals, leaders and workers of Jubo League, Krishak League, and Chhatra League organised a discussion meeting in Mithapukur Upazila Parishad auditorium in the afternoon on the occasion of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s birthday.

On the other hand, upazila parishad chairman and Mithapukur Upazila unit AL general secretary Jakir Hossain Sarkar organised a discussion meeting under Mithapukur underpass bridge, on the opposite side of upazila parishad.

As soon as a procession led by him arrived in front of the gate of upazila parishad from Shathibari of the upazila, people from the other side started pelting brickbats on them.

At one point, a clash ensued between the two sides, leaving at least 50 AL leaders and workers of both sides, including policemen, injured.

The clash lasted for about one and a half hours. Receiving the information, police reached the spot and brought the situation under control.

When contacted, Jakir Hossain Sarkar, said, “Nearly 50 to 60 of my supporters were injured during the attack carried out by supporters of an Awami League faction.

Some of them were seriously injured and were admitted to the hospital.

He also demanded exemplary punishment against the culprits after proper investigation of the incident.

President of Mithapukur Upazila AL, Mozammel Haque Mintu, could not be reached for comment.