‘Hundred BNP men’ hurt in clash with police

At least 100 leaders and activists of the BNP were injured in a clash with policemen in Habiganj town yesterday, claimed the party.

The BNP called for a procession demanding the release of the party Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Shayestanagar point in the town that was also attended by the central leaders.

According to locals, in the afternoon, the BNP men hurled brickbats aiming at police from the procession and police shot teargas and rubber bullets.

Police also clashed with the BNP men at different points of the town including Poil road, Chirakhana road, and Babystand yesterday.

The injured policemen and BNP activists were admitted to a local hospital.

In critical condition, Shah Rajib Ahmed Ringon, joint convener of the district unit Chhatra Dal, was sent to Dhaka for treatment.

Mahmudul Hasan, additional superintendent of Habiganj police, said that efforts were being made to calm the situation.

After the clash, GK Gaus, joint convener of the district unit BNP, held a press conference at his residence. Senior Member of BNP's Standing Committee Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain was also present there.

Gaus said they were holding peaceful protests demanding the release of Khaleda. Police, however, obstructed our peaceful programmes.

"Police first surrounded us and then fired rubber bullets and teargas. Around 100 BNP leaders and activists were injured," he said.

Meanwhile, Soilen Chakma, additional superintendent (admin) of Habiganj police, said they surrounded the BNP men to ensure their safety as they were holding a rally on the streets.

"Hundreds of enraged BNP leaders and activists suddenly hurled brickbats to us. At one stage, when we fired rubber bullets and teargas, the BNP leaders and activists fled," he said.

The number of injured policemen and fired rubber bullets and teargas could not be known immediately, he added.