Desk report
There was a chase and clash between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and activists in Saghata, Gaibandha. The clash took place in the Paltan More area of the upazila on Saturday afternoon. At least 10 people from both sides were injured. Several motorcycles were vandalized during the incident. The incident occurred over the naming of a BNP leader at an Islamic rally, despite the ban.
Police and eyewitnesses said that a Tafsirul Quran Mahfil was scheduled to be held on the night of December 26 in Sardarpara village of Saghata upazila to mark the development of an orphanage. Upazila BNP member secretary Selim Ahmed forbade naming any BNP leader there. Despite this, the name of a BNP leader was named. On Friday night, BNP supporters in Sardarpara area clashed with Abdul Aziz, a supporter of the orphanage.
Following the incident, Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and activists took out a protest procession on Saturday afternoon. At that time, BNP leaders and activists also took out a separate procession. When the two processions reached the Paltan intersection area, there was a chase and clash between leaders and activists of both sides. At least 10 people from both sides, including Saghata Upazila BNP member secretary Selim Ahmed, were injured. Six of the injured have been admitted to Bogra Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital and Gaibandha General Hospital.
However, it is not known how many people from each side were injured. Several motorcycles were vandalized during this time. Upon receiving the information, the army and police went to the scene and brought the situation under control.
Saghata Upazila BNP member secretary Selim Ahmed told Prothom Alo, “We were holding a peaceful procession. Suddenly they (Jamaat) attacked us with sticks. Several BNP leaders and activists were injured in the attack.”
However, Saghata Upazila Jamaat Amir Ibrahim Hossain said on his mobile phone, “On Friday night, BNP leaders and activists beat up three of our activists. Today, we were peacefully protesting against this. BNP leaders and activists attacked the procession. Some of our leaders and activists were injured in this.”
Saghata Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Badsha Alam said that at least 10 leaders and activists of both parties were injured in the attack and several motorcycles were vandalized. Currently, the situation in the area is under control. No one has complained about this incident so far. Legal action will be taken if a complaint is received.
