The BNP has claimed that over 600 of its men were injured in yesterday’s attack in the capital’s Bakshibazar area, launched under the leadership of Badiuzzaman Sohag, president of ruling party’s student wing Chhatra League.
From a press conference at its Nayapaltan headquarters, BNP spokesperson Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir demanded arrest of the perpetrators. “Otherwise, the government has to shoulder responsibility for any untoward situation.”
He also alleged that the ruling party men had attempted to attack on BNP chief Khaleda Zia. But their attempt went in vein as the “people’s took position in the area spontaneously.”
In protest against the incident, the BNP announced protest programmes for tomorrow in district and divisional headquarters.
“BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia went to Bakshibazar Alia Madrasa ground to appear before the court. Many common people including party leaders and activists went there to greet her. But just five or six minutes before her appearance, cadres of Chhatra League, Jubo League and Awami League attacked on them under the leadership of Chhatra League President Badiuzzaman Sohag,” he said.
The BNP acting secretary general claimed that more than 600 people were injured and 50 detained during the incident. Of the injured, condition of more than 100 was critical.
However, witnesses and hospital sources said around 40 people, including a ruling party lawmaker, were injured in the sporadic clashes in Bakshibazar, Chankharpool and Plassey areas.
The BNP first announced the demonstration programme for today but later it was shifted due to Christmas.
Asked about the attack on ruling party lawmaker Chhabi Biswas, Fakhrul said: “The government, Awami League and Chhatra League have to shoulder responsibility for this. It should be investigated whether they [government supporters] torched the vehicle.”
