The port city of Chittagong has become a battlefield as law enforcers clashed with blockade supporters in several areas of the city on Wednesday morning.
The clashes took place on the second day of the BNP-led 18-party alliance’s 48-hour nationwide blockade programme.
Two passengers were burned when pickets set a CNG-driven auto-rickshaw on fire at the Kazir Dewri intersection at around 9:15am.
Opposition activists claimed at least 20 of their men were injured in clashes with police throughout the city.
The burned victims were taken to Chittagong Medical College Hospital, CMCH police outpost Sub-Inspector Zahirul Islam said.
Clashes took place at Wasa intersection, Nimtala Biswa road, AK Khan intersection, Kornelhat and Badderhaat areas.
At least 50 trucks were vandalised in the Nimtala Biswa road area in the morning, police Additional Deputy Commissioner Mostaque Ahmed said.
Police were engaged in clashes with pickets at AK Khan intersection at around 11:30am, confirmed Chittagong Metropolitan Police (west) Deputy Commissioner Sujayet Islam.
Pickets were lobbing crude bombs in the area. Police were responding with rubber bullets and teargas shells.
School children were running about in panic amidst what the Dhaka Tribune correspondent said was a virtual battlefield.
Meanwhile, 20 people were detained in a police drive in Kazir Dewri, Wasa intersection and Almas intersection areas.
Kotwali circle police Assistant Commissioner Mirza Sayem Mahmud endorsed the information.