1 killed, several injured as BNP, police clash at Naya Paltan 

At least one person was killed and scores were injured in a clash between police and activists of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in-front of the party’s office in Naya Paltan of the capital on Wednesday.

The clash took place amid heightened tension ahead of a planned divisional rally by BNP in Dhaka on December 10.

The deceased, identified as Md Mokbul, was declared dead by doctors at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) after he was rushed there with serious injury, confirmed Bacchu Mia, in-charge of DMCH police outpost. The police official said Mokbul’s body bore “bullet marks”. His political identity could not be known immediately.

However, the deceased’s wife Halima told journalists that her husband was an embroidery worker. 

“He was not affiliated with any political parties. He was out to buy beads for embroidery,” she said.

According to the DMCH sources, over 25 people, injured in the clash, have been treated in hospital. 

How the clash began

The clash broke out around 3.00pm when slogan-chanting BNP leaders and activists, who had been gathering in front of the party office since morning, went out on the road defying a police directive, said witnesses.

The gathering grew large enough to almost block one side of the road in front the BNP office, said Hayatul Islam Khan, Deputy Commissioner (Motijheel Division) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

He said BNP supporters blocked the entire road and refused to leave defying police orders.

Later, when police tried to disperse the crowd, the opposition supporters attacked the security forces. The police were forced to retaliate with batons in self-defenses.

Witnesses said police lobbed tear gas shells, fired rubber bullets and charged batons to disperse the group and BNP activists responded by pelting brick chips at police, triggering the clash.

BNP leaders claimed that they were gathered in front of the party office when the police suddenly attacked them from two sides, injuring dozens.

More than 100 in police custody

Following the clash, over 100 supporters of BNP were detained by the police, including the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Publicity Secretary Shaheed Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s Special Assistant Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas and the General Secretary of Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad Kader Goni Chowdhury. 

Over one and half hour after the clash began, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir rushed to the party office and was initially refused entry by security forces.

“The authorities promised to inform us about the mass rally venue today. We were hoping for an answer. But they did the complete opposite,” he told reporters.

The BNP leader continued, “Attacking the peaceful gathering is a violation of the constitution and human rights.

“We strongly condemn the unjustified actions of the police.”

Biplab Kumar Sarkar, joint commissioner (operation) of DMP headquarters, said the police are doing whatever is needed to maintain law and order as per the directive of DMP commissioner.

He also confirmed that Amanullah Aman and Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie were taken into police custody.

However, when asked how many people have been arrested, he could not provide a specific number but said, “There are many arrests.”

Raid in BNP office

Police have also raided the BNP Party office and adjacent area after the clash, said Joint Commissioner Biplob.

He claimed that numerous bombs have been recovered from the area. 

The raid was conducted to ensure safety and security of people’s lives and property in Naya Paltan area, he said.   

Tensions have been brewing between BNP and the authorities over the venue for the opposition’s planned divisional mass rally next Saturday. Authorities have asked them to hold the rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital. But BNP wants to hold it in Naya Paltan area. 

Party leaders said if the government does not provide an alternative venue as per the party’s choice, then the rally will be held in front of the party’s central office.