A Shibir activist was killed and 20 others injured as 18-party alliance supporters clashed with Rab and police in the Kajla area of Rajshahi under Motihar police station on Saturday afternoon.
The deceased, Rashedul Islam, 27, was a Sathi (member) of Shibir, the student affiliate of Jamaat-e-Islami. He was a second year student at Rajshahi Islamia Degree College. Witnesses said activists of the 18-party alliance brought out a procession from the Talaimari area as part of their central programme around 5pm.
As soon as the procession arrived in front of the Kajla gate of Rajshahi University, the opposition alliance activists hurled bricks at law enforcers and vandalised vehicles. In retaliation, the lawmen fired rubber bullets to disperse the opposition men leaving 21 injured, two with bullet wounds.
Rashedul and Ashraf Hossain, who were hit by bullets, were rushed to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) where Rashedul died while receiving treatment.
Uttam Kumar, officer-in-charge of RMCH police box, confirmed the death to the Dhaka Tribune.
Abdus Subhan, officer-in-charge of Motihar police station, said the law enforcers fired rubber bullets on the 18-party activists as they hurled bricks at police and Rab personnel. When asked, the OC said: “We don’t know anything about the death.”