At least 50 leaders and activists of the opposition BNP sustained injuries after Awami League men allegedly opened fire and attacked a program held in Comilla on Saturday.
BNP leaders claimed the attackers were supporters of Lalmai Upazila Parishad Chairman Kamrul Hasan and Comilla Sadar Dakshin Upazila Parishad Chairman Golam Sarwar.
The local BNP men also alleged that the Awami League men vandalized their program venue.
The incident was reported in Belghar Dakkhin union of Comilla's Lalmai upazila.
BNP Chairperson's Adviser and former MP Monirul Haque Chowdhury said the program was scheduled for 5pm, and he was supposed to be there as well.
“However, I was informed that some Awami League men were lurking around the place at 2pm. They vandalized and opened fire at the people there. Jubo Dal leaders Firoz and Monir sustained bullet injuries. One was shot in the head,” he added.
The injured leaders have been admitted to Comilla Medical College Hospital.
Golam Sarwar, chairman of Comilla Sadar Dakshin Upazila Parishad, denied the allegations.
He said BNP supporters opened fire during the Awami League rally on local Gaiar Bhanga-Belghar road, and eight-nine of the party men were injured.
When asked about the names of the injured Awami League men, he said they are still trying to identify them.
Hanif Sarker, officer-in-charge of Lalmai police station, said former MP Monirul Haque Chowdhury was scheduled to visit an ailing BNP leader in Belghar.
“At that time, a peace rally of Awami League was being held in the village. There was some chaos when the BNP men threw bricks at the Awami League rally,” he added.
He mentioned that police could not find any sign of bullets being fired at the scene.
