BNP’S Sit-In: 27 hurt in clashes with cops, AL men

At least 27 people were injured in three separate clashes yesterday involving members of the BNP, the Awami League, and the police in Natore, Khulna, and Pirojpur.

The incidents occurred during the BNP's nationwide sit-in programmes and rallies to protest price hikes on daily necessities and to press home their 10-point demands, including holding the next general election under a caretaker government.

In Natore, at least ten people from both the BNP and the AL were injured in the clash in the town's Alaipur area, which occurred around 1:30pm when both parties, which were scheduled to hold rallies nearby, came face-to-face.

For about 20 minutes, the two groups engaged in chases and counter-chases, as well as brickbat throwing, said the district's Additional Superintendent of Police ATM Mainul Islam.

Later, police arrived on the scene and brought the situation under control.

"We heard two rounds of gunfire during the clash. We are yet to confirm if anyone was injured. We will take legal action following an investigation into the incident," he said.

Shariful Islam Ramzan, secretary of Natore district unit AL, said, "The BNP men were the first to throw bricks and stones at Awami League leaders and activists. When Awami League men protested, local BNP leader Shahiul Islam Bachchu fired two shots from his revolver, but fortunately, no one was injured."

Contacted, Shahiul Islam Bachchu, convener of the district unit BNP, said, "Three BNP activists were shot, and fifty others were injured after Awami League men launched an attack on the BNP's peaceful program."

Meanwhile, in Khulna, at least 12 party men were injured when police and BNP leaders and activists clashed.

This happened when police tried to stop BNP activists from going to the sit-in and rally at KD Gosh Road.

Witnesses said that when BNP leaders and activists from around the district gathered at the party office area around 3:00pm, police tried to drive them away, resulting in a clash.

Shafiqul Alom Mana, convener of the city unit BNP, said police charged batons to disperse BNP leaders and activists, injuring 12 party men.

Tajul Islam, deputy commissioner (south) of Khulna Metropolitan Police, told The Daily Star that police fired 35 rounds from a shotgun and 20 rounds of tear shells to control the situation.

"Police were forced to take action as some BNP men suddenly started throwing bricks at our personnel," he added.

Eight people were arrested at the scene of the incident.

In Pirojpur town, at least five Chhatra Dal activists were injured when they were going to join BNP's sit-in programme in an attack allegedly carried out by Bangladesh Chhatra League men.

Ahmed Sohel Manjur Sumon, convener of Bhandaria upazila unit BNP, said, "Chhatra League men also vandalised his private car at Pirojpur Government High School field around 3:45pm."

Contacted, Aniruzzaman Anik, president of district unit BCL, said, "When BNP members attacked them on their way back to town from a program, Chhatra League members protested."

Superintendent of Police Md Saidur Rahman said a car was vandalised when a clash took place between two groups. "Later, police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control," he said.

Meanwhile, in Jamalpur, 20 BNP and Jamaat-Shibir men, arrested Friday afternoon, were sued yesterday on charges of attempting to sabotage government properties.

Jamalpur Police Station Sub-Inspector Debashish filed the case under the Special Powers Act, said Abdul Awal, investigating officer of the case.

The arrestees included Liaquat Ali, president of Jamalpur town unit BNP,  Mizanur Rahman, former secretary of district unit Jubo Dal, and Kamrul Islam Kabul, joint general secretary of district unit Chhatra Dal.

(Our correspondents from Natore, Khulna, Pirojpur, and Jamalpur contributed to this report.)