21 Jubo Dal activists detained after clashes with police in Patuakhali

Police detained 21 Jubo Dal activists after clashes between the law enforcers and activists of BNP's youth wing in Patuakhali's Dashmina upazila yesterday. 

The incidents took place in Dashmina town when police barred the upazila Jubo Dal unit activists from holding a programme as they did not take prior permission to stage the event, police said.

Seven police officials were injured in the clashes, reports our Patuakhali correspondent quoting police. Party sources have also said that at least 50 Jubo Dal activists were injured, but none were admitted to hospital to avoid being arrested.

The injured police officials are: Sub-Inspectors Abdur Rahim, Harun-Or-Rashid, Md Mamun, and Nuruzzaman, and Constables Shahjahan Ali, Jahangir and Rahat. Five were admitted to Dashmina Upazila Health Complex for treatment, said Jalal Uddin, officer-in-charge of Dasmina Police Station.

Police had detained 21 Jubo Dal activists, the OC added.

Mainul Hassan, superintendent of police (SP) in Patuakhali, said filing of a case in this connection was underway, and steps will be taken against the culprits upon investigation.

Jubo Dal activists however claimed that police had swooped on their peaceful indoor meeting.

The clash began around 10:00am when policemen barred Jubo Dal men from holding their programme at a house in the town.

The Jubo Dal men hurled brickbats at the policemen while the law enforcers charged with batons to disperse them.

Later, the activists went to the upazila Jubo Dal unit convener Sha Alam Sanu's house around 12:00pm and began a meeting there but police once again barred them from holding the meeting, and another clash ensued.