AL, BNP men clash over govt pond, 5 hurt

At least five persons were injured in a clash between the supporters of ruling Awami League and opposition BNP over the possession of a government pond in Mostofi area in Lalmonirhat sadar around 9:00pm on Thursday night.
The AL men blocked the Lalmonirhat- Rangpur road at Mostofi Bus Stand from 9:30pm to 10:30pm protesting the attack. They also vandalised a truck and two buses there.
The injured are AL activists Manir Uddin, 36, Mokhles, 42, and BNP workers Yakub Ali, 30, Afzal Hossain, 42, and Mohitul Islam, 28. They were admitted to Lalmonirhat Sadar Hospital and local clinics.
Road communication between Lalmonirhat and Rangpur and with other parts of the country was snapped during the blockade.
A police team of Lalmonirhat Sadar Police Station reached the spot and restored the communication.
Police said a group of BNP supporters had been occupying Sukhan Dighi (big pond) at Harati village of Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila since long. The clash occurred when a group of AL men, led by Jubo League leader Toton Miah, tried to take possession of the pond at night.
The BNP supporters, led by local BNP leader Mohammad Khan, chased the invading group, which ultimately caused the casualties.
Officer-in-charge of Lalmonirhat Sadar Police Station, Moynul Islam confirmed the incident adding that additional police were deployed in the area.
No case was filed in this connection, added the OC.