BNP leaders and activists clashed with police in Chittagong during a demonstration against rising electricity prices.
On Monday around 3:30 pm, the incident took place at the Kazir Dewri intersection in the city.
A police motorcycle was set on fire at the time, and several cars were vandalized.
Meanwhile, it was initially reported that the clash injured 10 policemen and 20 BNP activists. After the incident, BNP's program was foiled.
At least 20 BNP activists were apprehended on the spot by police.
Additional police have been deployed in and around the BNP office to keep the situation under control.
City Police Deputy Commissioner (South) Mostafizur Rahman said: “The police were attacked from the BNP procession without any provocation.”
“Vehicles were vandalized and set on fire. Many of our policemen were injured. The situation was brought under control after additional forces were deployed. The operation is still ongoing. Twenty people have been arrested so far,” he added.
Dhaka TribuneJahedul Kabir, officer-in-charge (OC) of Kotwali police station said: “A surprise attack was carried out on the police from the BNP procession. BNP leaders and activists continued throwing bricks at policemen for no apparent reason. They set fire to the police vehicle. Several officers were hurt. In self-defence, the police dispersed the procession.”
However, BNP leaders claimed that while they went on a peaceful demonstration against the hike in electricity prices, police used batons on them.
Idris Ali, the former office secretary of the Nagar BNP who was present at the scene said: “Police attacked the peaceful procession of the BNP suddenly. The police opened fire on the activists.”
Abul Hashem, member secretary of the Chittagong Metropolitan BNP said that none of them attacked the police.
“Our leaders and activists were pursued by the police. Twenty leaders and activists were hurt. The number of people injured could rise,” he added.