A man was killed and 20 others injured on Friday evening in a tripartite clash between Awami League, the police and BNP members in Chokoria Municipality area of the district.
The deceased was identified as Jakir Hossain, 42.
Quoting witnesses, Chokoria police station Officer-in-Charge Ronojit Kumar Barua said: “BNP activists suddenly started throwing brick chips at the police while returning from the Namaz-e-Janaza of Juba Dal leader Abdul Halim around 4:30pm.
In retaliation, police also fired five rounds of rubber bullets in the air,” he added.
The OC further said following the police firing, BNP activists went on a rampage in Chokoria Station area and vandalised some 30 vehicles.
He said: “Upon receiving information on the rampage, local Awami League activists rushed in and chased the vandals.”
At one stage of chase and counter chase, BNP men locked into a clash with police and Awami League activists, leaving Jakir dead on the spot, added the police officer.
He informed that eight police members sustained injuries during the clash.
On the other hand, upazila BNP President Mizanur Rahman claimed the police opened fire on the BNP members without any reason.