Jamaat-Shibir activists have been seen among rampaging Hefazat-e-Islam supporters and have been directly involved in clashes with law enforcers.
Our correspondent, quoting witnesses, says, armed cadres of Jamaat-i-Islami and its student wing Shibir, were seen after 10pm at Purana Paltan, Motijheel, Bijoy Nagar and Arambagh, congregating with weapons. Some Jamaat central leaders were also seen among them.
On condition of anonymity, a central Hefazat leader also admitted that Jamaat activists participated in the siege in different parts of the city.
Witnesses allege Jamaat-Shibir activists were seen carrying fire arms.
Earlier during the day, witnesses alleged Jamaat-Shibir activists vandalised vehicles, set shops and other public and private property ablaze, and were engaged in clashes with police.
Pointing at a group of agitated activists, a tea-stall owner said: “We know them. They are Jamaat and Shibir men living in Purana Paltan and adjacent areas.”
Meanwhile, Awami League and Chhatra League activists were seen with police personnel attacking the Hefazat men. In many areas of the city AL and BCL activists checked vehicles and locked in skirmishes with opposition supporters. In the Shahbagh area, BCL men took up position with sticks and firearms.
