BNP-Chhatra League clash in Patuakhali: 15 including journo hurt

Rally of BNP in Patuakhali intercepted by BCL

Patuakhali: As part of the pre-scheduled program, a public meeting of BNP was held at the party office in Banani area of Patuakhali municipality town today on Saturday at 10 am. During the speech of central leader Abdul Awal Mintu, a peace procession led by District Chhatra League General Secretary Tanveer Hasan Arif was passing by the gathering at around 11 o'clock when the two sides suddenly clashed. At one point a chase started between both the groups. During the 15 to 20 minutes of clashes between the two sides, the police fired several rounds of tear shells to bring the situation under control. In this incident, at least 15 people from both groups were reported injured. Meanwhile, MyTV journalist Moshiur Rahman Bablu was injured by a brick. The names of the other injured were not available.

According to district BNP member secretary Snehanshu Sarkar Kutti, Chhatra League, Jubo League and Awami League have planned and attacked 10 to 20 of our workers in a peaceful meeting.

On the other hand, District Chhatra League General Secretary Tanveer Hasan Arif said, BNP leaders and activists attacked us when we marched to protest against terrorism and anarchy. A few of us have been injured in this.

Meanwhile, central BNP leader Abdul Awal Mintu said in a press conference held on the third floor of the city's residential hotel Hilton at 12:30 PM after the clash that there will be no fair, free, impartial and acceptable elections without a caretaker government. BNP Central Committee Training Affairs Secretary ABM Musharraf Hossain, District BNP Member Secretary Snehanshu Sarkar Kutty and the leaders and activists of the organization were also present at that time.

Md. Moniruzzaman, OC of Patuakhali sadar police station, said,t the law and order situation is under control. - Gofran Biswas Palash