AL infighting over Khaleda verdict kills 1

A man was killed and 25 others were injured on Thursday during clashes between two Awami League factions over establishing supremacy in Narayanganj centring verdict of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in a graft case.

Suman, 30, was killed in the clashes on Thursday. Police have already detained 20 people from the spot.

The BNP chief was sentenced to five years in jail in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case.

Witnesses and police said a group led by upazila AL member of parliament Golam Dastagir Gazi clashed with members of Kayetpara UP chairman Rafiqul Islam Rafiq ahead of BNP leader Khaleda Zia’s court verdict.

The witnesses added that around 11:00am, hundreds of AL leaders and activists, equipped with sticks, gathered in Kanchan area of the city for the verdict of Khaleda Zia.

They later were embroiled in clashes. Police then used batons and open black fire to disperse them. 

Additional superintendent of the district police Faruk Hossain said the two groups clashed following previous enmity that left several people, including police, injured.

Police fired black shots and tear shells to bring the situation under control, he added.

Dhaka Medical College correspondent of Prothom Alo said three injured were taken to the hospital where doctors declared Suman dead around 1:30pm.

One of the injured Joynal, who is now at the hospital, said he is a Juba League member led by Golam Dastagir.

They were injured as all of a sudden Kayetpara UP chairman Rafiqul Islam opened fire.