At least 150 people, including several police personnel, were injured as the activists of BNP and police locked into a clash in the Shayestanagar area of Habiganj town Saturday afternoon.
Habiganj police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ajay Dev and BNP’s municipal unit General Secretary Awal were among the injured.
As part of the pre-announced programme, BNP leaders and activists from nine upazilas of the district started gathering in and around the residence of BNP Joint Convener and former municipal mayor GK Gaus in the afternoon.
Around 5pm, the BNP leaders and activists started the march from the Shayestanagar Bazar area. When they reached the Water Development Board office, the police obstructed them.
As the BNP men attempted to move forward, the police responded with a baton charge resulting in a clash between law enforcers and BNP leaders and activists.
During the chase and counter-chase, agitated BNP men threw bricks at the police, while the law enforcers fired tear gas shells and rubber bullets to bring the situation under control.
Several police personnel, including Habiganj OC Ajay Dev, were injured during the clash, said Inspector Investigation Badiuzzaman. “We are still at the scene to avoid any untoward situation."
The district BNP’s Joint Convener GK Gaus said, "When we were going home after completing the march peacefully, the police led by OC Ajay attacked us, leaving our 150 leaders and activists injured.”
Among the injured, municipal BNP General Secretary Awal’s condition is critical, he said, adding that the injured are receiving treatment secretly to avoid arrest without going to the hospital.
