At least 20 people, including cops, were injured in a clash between police and activists of Chhatra Odhikar Parishad as the student body staged demonstrations against Indian Prime Minister’s Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh.
The leaders and activists of the student body brought out a procession from Bijoynagar’s Water Tank point at about 11:30 am and burned the effigy of Modi at Shapla Chattar around 12 pm.
At one stage, police charged batons, and fired teargas shells to disperse the protesters, triggering a chase-and-counter-chase between the protesters and police.
General secretary of Chhatra Odhikar Parishad Abdullah Hil Baki said 13 of their leaders and activists were injured during the clash.
Deputy Commissioner of Motijheel Division Syed Nurul Haq said 33 people have been arrested from the spot.
Seven policemen, including the officer-in-charge of Paltan Police Station, were also injured, he said.
Vehicular movement at Bijoynagar, Paltan Crossing, Shapla Chattar and Dainik Bangla Crossing remained suspended for half an hour since 12:30 pm due to the clash.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive here on Friday morning on a two-day state visit to attend the twin mega celebrations, marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of Bangladesh’s Independence.
