Clash leaves 8 injured

At least eight people were injured and 50 vehicles vandalized when a clash erupted between the drivers of CNG-run auto-rickshaws and battery-run easy-bikes in Kulaura upazila headquarters yesterday.

The injured are Lutfur Rahman, 50, Maram Ali, 40, Nowshad, 28, Badrul, 30, Jabbar, 32, Fakhrul, 21, and Faisal, 30.

Of them, Lutfur was rushed to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, following deterioration of his condition.

Locals said CNG-run auto drivers called a strike in Kulaura upazila yesterday, demanding an end to plying of battery-powered easy-bikes.

As part of their protest, they took position at various points of the municipal town yesterday.

The clash erupted between the two groups when easy-bike drivers also took to the streets in the afternoon that left at least eight people from both sides injured.

Battery-run Auto-rickshaw Workers' Association President Akash Ahmed claimed that CNG-run auto drivers vandalized 30 to 35 battery-run vehicles and their office during the clash.

Meanwhile, Sohag Mia, general secretary of CNG Auto-rickshaw Workers' Union, said about 15 to 16 CNG-run vehicles were vandalized by the opposition group.