A clash erupted between leaders and activists of the Jatiya Party and the Gono Odhikar Parishad, leaving several people injured.
The incident occurred in Bijoynagar, Dhaka, on Friday evening, prompting the deployment of the army and police to restore order.
Eyewitnesses reported that around 5:45pm, a procession led by Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur and General Secretary Rashed Khan was moving from Bijoynagar towards Kakrail.
Tension arose when several Jatiya Party activists gathered in front of their party office. This escalated into a chase and counter-chase, with bricks and stones thrown by both sides, resulting in multiple injuries. Pedestrians panicked and fled the area.
Police intervened to separate the groups and control the situation. Later, army personnel joined the police, and the situation was brought under control.
Rashed Khan, general secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad, told the media that criminals affiliated with the Jatiya Party and Awami League had unexpectedly attacked their procession.
He said injured party members were being taken to Dhaka Medical College for treatment.
Mahmud Alam, office secretary of the Jatiya Party, told Bangla Tribune: “Today, a meeting was scheduled with the Jatiya Party’s Dhaka Metropolitan North and South units, as well as all affiliated and subsidiary organizations, to discuss the party’s next program.”
He added: “During this, Nur’s supporters brought a procession and attacked our party office. We resisted. Around 10–12 of our members were injured. One person suffered an eye injury and was taken to Dhaka Medical College. I was also injured.”
“A detailed press briefing will be held at 8:30pm in front of the central office to inform everyone about today’s incident,” he further added.
Shakil Uzzaman, office secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad, told Bangla Tribune: “Our previously planned peaceful procession, en route to Nightingale Mor, was attacked by Jatiya Party activists without any provocation. At least 20 of our activists were injured and taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.”
