At least 30 people were injured including three cops and two journalists, when ruling Awami League activists allegedly tried to foil a programme of Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebok Dal, an associate body of the opposition BNP, at Daulatkhan upazila (district town) under Bhola district Monday.
Abdul Mannan, president of the main opposition’s district unit, said the AL cadres attacked the BNP office around 10am and left more than 20 activists injured.
BNP and its front organisation activists were taking preparation for bringing out a procession marking the founding ceremony of Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebok Dal, at its party office, when the cadres attacked, he said.
Mannan said the injured BNP activists were sent to the Bhola District Sadar Hospital, instead of the upazila health complex, as we fear that the AL men could attack again.
Witnesses said activists of both parties engaged in an hour long clash which eventually spread in different areas of the upazila.
The two injured journalists Mamun and Zaman belong to two local newspapers ‘Dinkal’ and ‘Khaborpatra’ respectively.
The three injured policemen Sub Inspector (SI) Sobhan, Assistant SI Riaz, and, Constable Shahid, and the two journalists received treatment at the upazila heath complex.
Mujibul Huq, Officer-in-Charge of Daulatkhan police station said police had brought the situation under control by charging baton.
Seven people, mostly AL activists, were admitted to the health complex with different level of injuries, according to Dr Arafat, medical officer of the Daulatkhan upazila health complex.
At least 10 people including the three cops and two journalists were treated with first aid, he added.
Dr Nitya Ranjan Chowdhury, resident medical officer of Bhola general hospital, said 13 people, mostly BNP activists, were admitted to the hospital.
Nasir Khan, president of upazila AL said it was a clash between fractions of BNP, denying any connection of AL activists with the incident. No case was filed till this report was written.
