Juba Dal activist killed as BNP, police clash in Narayanganj

An activist of Jatiyatabadi Juba Dal, BNP’s youth wing, was killed and 50 people were injured in a clash between police and the BNP activists at No 2 rail gate in Narayanganj city on Thursday.

The deceased was identified as Shaon, 21.

Anisur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Narayanganj Sadar Police Station, said the BNP activists brought out a procession around 10:45am, marking the founding anniversary of the party.

When the procession reached the No 2 rail gate area around 11:30am, police stopped them, triggering a chase and counter chase.

At one stage, the protesters attacked the cops, prompting the law enforcers to fire rubber bullets.

The whole Bangabandhu Road from No 2 rail gate point turned into a battlefield during the clash that left 50 people injured.

Shaon received bullet injuries during the clash. He was taken to Narayanganj General Hospital, where the doctors declared him dead on arrival.

The central BNP has announced a two-day programme protesting the killing of Shaon and attacks on the party’s 44th anniversary programmes in different parts of the country.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the programmes in front of the party’s central office at Naya Paltan.

As a part of the programmes, the party will arrange funeral prayers in absentia seeking the salvation of slain Juba Dal activist Shaon after Juma prayers on Friday. The party will also stage demonstrations across the country on Saturday.

Reports from Netrakona said at least 30 people, including 13 cops, were injured in a clash between BNP activists and police in Netrakona town on Thursday morning.

Fakhruzzaman Jewel, Additional Superintendent of Police of the district, said vehicular movement in the district’s Chhoto Bazar area was suspended as BNP activists started to gather in front of their party office to celebrate the 44th founding anniversary of the party.

“The clash erupted when police went to normalize the traffic situation. BNP activists attacked us when we tried to free up the road. We had to use tear gas and fire blank shots to bring the situation under control,” said Jewel.

Police have so far arrested 13 BNP activists in connection with the clash.