15 injured in clash between Jamaat, GOP in Kushtia

At least 15 people were injured in a clash between activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and Gano Odhikar Parishad (GOP) in Kushtia town.

Allegations have also been raised that the vehicle of Amir Hamza, the Member of Parliament for the Kushtia-3 constituency, was vandalized during the incident. The clash took place on Saturday evening at the ‘Chhoy Rastar Mor’ (six-road intersection) in the town. Faisal Mahmud, the Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Ops) of Kushtia, confirmed the incident.

According to local sources, Abdul Khalek, the General Secretary of the Kushtia unit of the Gana Adhikar Parishad, called for a protest rally in front of Amir Hamza’s residence to condemn his recent remark describing the party as a “two-person outfit.” Party activists gathered at the location from 5 PM, chanting various slogans. Tension flared when Amir Hamza’s vehicle arrived around 6:30 PM, and the situation subsequently escalated into a clash.

Amir Hamza told reporters, “Khalek and Toukir from Gana Adhikar attacked my car. Their associates launched the assault armed with hockey sticks, clubs, and bricks. My uncle suffered a leg injury when a brick smashed the car window, and I sustained an injury to my forehead. Seven members of my party were injured.”

When asked about the incident, Toukir, the Organizing Secretary of the Gana Adhikar Kushtia branch, said, “They launched a surprise attack while our peaceful program was underway. They vandalized our secretary’s office. At least eight to ten members of our party were injured.”

Dr. Iqbal Hasan, the Acting Resident Medical Officer at Kushtia General Hospital, stated that three people injured in the clash received first aid at the hospital.

Additional Superintendent of Police Faisal Mahmud said the situation is currently calm, and additional police forces have been deployed there. The perpetrators will soon be brought to justice.