BNP leaders and activists have clashed with police over bringing out a rally at Gangachhara of Rangpur on Thursday, protesting the death of a Jubo Dal leader, Shawon, in Narayanganj and the price hike of essentials.
Police charged baton, fired 50 rounds of bullets and lobbed tear gas shells to disperse the agitated leaders and activists. BNP leaders and activists retaliated hurling brick chips that left at least 20 policemen, including Gangachhara police statoin officer-in-charge, injured.
All injured have been admitted to upazila health complex and Rangpur Medical College Hospital for treatment. Additional police forces have been deployed in the area.
According to police and locals, BNP called a demonstration at Gangachara on Thursday, protesting the death of Jubo Dal leader, Shawon, in Narayanganj and the price hike of essentials.
To join the demo, the leaders and activists of BNP gathered at the old Sonali Bank intersection area of the upazila around 3:00 pm.
Then, they brought out a rally from there around 5:00 pm. When the procession was approaching Gangachara bazar, police barred it, provoking the protesters who later threw brick chips at the police.
At a stage, police charged batons and fired rubber bullets and tear gas shells that injured around 50 leaders and activists while 20 police members, including Gangachara police station OC Dulal Hossain, were wounded by hurling brick chips.
Rangpur district assistant police superintendent Hossain Raihan said the situation is now under control.
Additional police forces have been deployed in Gangachara bazar to evade further tension. 20 police members, including Gangachara police station OC, were injured in the incident.
With charging batons, police fired 50 rounds of rubber bullets and tear gas shells to disperse the protesters. The injured were taken to the hospital, Hossain Raihan added.