AL-BNP clash leaves 18 injured in Netrokona

Awami League and BNP men clashed in Netrokona’s Madan upazila leaving 18 including policemen injured.

The clash took place at Shahpur Eidgah ground area in Changaon area under the upazila on Thursday.

Police and locals said BNP men thronged Eidgah ground to participate in their pre-scheduled rally protesting against the price hike of fuel and essential commodities and the killing of two BNP leaders allegedly by police firing in Bhola.

The tension broke out at around 12 noon as Awami League men, too, gathered in the area.

As police went to the area, BNP men started hurling brickbats to them. Later the AL men chased BNP activists.

At least 18 people including three policemen were injured as the chase and counter chase continued for around an hour.

Madan police station’s officer-in-charge Mohammad Ferdous Alam, assistant sub inspection Khorshed Alam, constable Ajijul Islam, AL activists Shariful Islam, Ripon Mia, Bulbul Ahmed, Rokon Mia, Anowar Hossain, Mosharraf Hossain and Sagar Mia were admitted to Madan health complex.

Seven BNP men injured in the clash took treatment at local hospitals.

Madan upazila BNP general secretary Rafiqul Islam Akanda said AL and policemen attacked while BNP was carrying out its programme.

Upazila AL general secretary Abul Bashar Khan said BNP men attacked them without any provocation. They also attacked police while they came to bring the situation under control.

He said eight injured AL men were hospitalised and they will file a case over the incident.

OC Ferdous Alam said, “Awami League men started gathering after being informed that BNP is carrying out their programme. Police rushed to the scene hearing the tension prevailing. BNP men hurled brickbats at the police leaving me and two other policemen injured.”

He said police is preparing to file a case over the incident.

Additional policemen have been deployed in the area, the OC added.