Law Minister visits Akhaura, praises PM for Bangladesh’s progress

Supporters of a municipality mayor and mayor aspirant of Brahamanbaria's Kasba upazila clashed this morning during a programme arranged for smart card distribution in presence of Law Minister Anisul Huq.

The incident took place around 11:00am in front of Kasba Upazila Parishad after supporters of Kasba Municipality Mayor Emran Uddin Jewel and his rival Upazila Jubo League President M A Aziz brought out separate processions, reports our local correspondent.

At least 10 people were injured in the clash and a few motorcycles were vandalised, said Md Alamgir Bhuiyan, officer-in-charge of Kasba Police Station.

The law minister left the place after violence erupted.

Earlier journalists asked the law minister on his arrival in Akhaura whether any changes or reform will be made to the controversial Digital Security Act, to which he replied "you will see in a few days, whatever there is."

He made the remarks at Akhaura Railway Junction station premises before going to Kasba to distribute smart cards.

The minister went to his constituency Akhaura almost a year after the coronavirus pandemic hit the nation.

"If you all remain beside Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the future of Bangladesh will change. Padma Bridge could be built with our own money due to the courage of the people," the minister said in his speech.

"The economic map of Bangladesh has changed for the better and the country is now considered as a role model for development around the world. All have been possible for the leadership of our prime minister," he added.

Brahmanbaria Deputy Commissioner Hayat-Ud-Doula Khan, Superintendent of Police Md Anisur Rahman, Additional Superintendent of Police (headquarters) Md Abu Sayid and other members of the local administration were present during the minister's speech

This story has been edited with changes to the Law Minister's comments at 2:51pm.