At least 10 people were injured including Jubo League leader and Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) Ward Councilor Wasim Uddin Chowdhury in clashes that erupted during a 14-party alliance mass rally in Chittagong.
The incident took place at Zilla Parishad premises, Laldighi area, Chittagong on Wednesday afternoon.
Kotwali police station Police Inspector (Operation) Arman Hossain said: "A clash took place between the two factions. We arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. We are investigating the matter."
Meanwhile, Chittagong coordinator of the 14-party alliance Khorshed Alam Sujan, city Awami League general secretary AJM Nasir Uddin, and other leaders were present at the time of the incident.
During the rally, a sudden outburst of counter-slogans turned into a heated altercation. The unrest escalated as a group of predominantly young activists started throwing chairs from the opposite of the stage.
Amidst the chaotic scene, CCC Pahartali Ward 13 Councillor Wasim Uddin Chowdhury suffered injuries from a brick thrown at his direction. Khorshed Alam Sujan stepped down from the stage and attempted to calm down the situation.
Even at that time, there were frequent fights among the supporters. As a result, the mass gathering was halted for around 30 minutes.
Khorshed Alam Sujan: "Those who fought, they came with the intention of fighting. Come to Laldighi Field, which is right close to the rally. We'll set up the battle. A rally is not a place for clashes."
City Awami League General Secretary AJM Nashir Uddin said: "Those who want to create chaos in the rally cannot be Awami League leaders and supporters. Large organizations can have preferences and dislikes. As a result, we cannot engage in conflict with one another. However, many people come here for a reason. There is a conspiracy that they are trespassers. Those who do this will face organizational consequences."