Two people sustained bullet injuries in clashes between the protesters, police and activists of the ruling Awami’s associate bodies Chhatra and Jubo League in Bahaddarhat area of the port city of Chattogram on Thursday afternoon.
Moreover, at least 30 people including police and journalists were injured in the clashes which continue as of filing this report around 4:30pm, reports our Chattogram correspondent.
The fierce clashes in the Bahaddarhat followed the two-hour clash between the police and the protesters in Natun Bridge area of the city in the morning.
Witnesses said several thousand students gathered at Bahaddarhat around 1:30pm. Suddenly activists of the Chhatra and Jubo League swooped on protesters coming from the Chandgaon residential area and Bahaddarhat Baria.
The injured are student Ismail Hossain, 31, and day labour Mohammad Elias, 20.
Both were taken to Chittagong Medical College Hospital.
Locals said police personnel were seen retreating from the scene when the pro Awami League fellows carried out the attacks.
About half an hour later, police regained control of the situation by using sound grenades, rubber bullets, and tear gas.
Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Saiful Islam said police took action to control the tense situation at Bahaddarhat intersection and he had no information about the injuries of the two people from the bullet as police didn’t fire.
A protesting student said, "The Chhatra League activists launched a sudden attack on our peaceful protest. One of our brothers was shot. The police were right there but did not protect us. Is this how we will be treated when we come to the streets to demand our rights?"
As of the latest information, both the police and the students remain in a tense standoff in front of the Water Development Board office on Bahaddarhat Arkan Road.
Earlier on Tuesday, three people were killed in a fierce clash between the protesters, police and the ruling party activists.
