A minor died and at least 15 others were injured when police opened live gunfire to dispel opposition supporters in Sirajganj town on Monday.
The incident took place during a nationwide Jamaat-e-Islami hartal on top of a general blocakde of the 18-party alliance.
The deceased was identified as Ridoy, 12, son of Bablu Hossain from Bahulibazar – the site where clashes took place.
Witnesses said opposition supporters blocked Sirajganj-Rayganj regional road in Bahulibazar area around 11am. Clashes began when police intervened.
The opposition supporters pelted stones at police, they said. Police opened live gunfire to dispel the crowd. A child of around 11 years of age was shot dead.
Sirajganj Sadar circle police Additional Superintendent Forkan Sikder admitted that police opened short gun rounds. “I heard that a child died there.”
Sirajganj Sadar police Officer-in-Charge Habibul Islam confirmed the death and said that the body was being kept at Sirajganj Sadar Hospital
Clashes were still on around the time of filing this report. No one could tell how the child got there.
Local sources said about 15 others were injured at the spot aswell. The extent of their injuries could not be ascertained in initial reports.