BNP men batoned for defying Section 144 in Narsingdi

This large canopy, erected to accord reception to BNP leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan at Parulia in Narsingdi, lies damaged after police action yesterday against the BNP activists for defying Section 144, bottom, police beating an activist. Photo: STAR

At least 20 BNP men were injured as police charged baton on them while holding a programme at Parulia playground under Palash upazila defying Section 144 yesterday noon.
Palash upazila BNP organised the programme at the playground to accord reception to former minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan who was recently made a member of the party's standing committee.
As Palash upazila unit of Swechhasebak League organised a discussion on the Victory Day at the same venue at the same time, local administration imposed Section 144 in the area apprehending trouble.
Upazila Land Officer Md Tariqul Islam in presence of a large number of police requested the leaders and workers of both the groups to leave the place, but BNP men did not pay heed to his request.
When the BNP leaders and workers tried to hold their programme at the playground defying Section 144, the law enforcers charged baton to disperse them, leaving at least 20 people injured.
The injured, including Chhatra Dal leader MA Baset, were admitted to Palash Upazila Health Complex.
Outraged by police action, the BNP activists later attacked Parulia Bazar and ransacked shops.
BNP Secretary General Khandker Delwar Hossain in a statement yesterday strongly condemned the attack on the reception programme.
He blamed the police and ruling party men for the attack.