40 injured as BNP and Jamaat-Chhatrashibir clash in Noakhali

Bangla Press Desk: At least 40 people were injured in a clash between the supporters of the BNP and the Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Islami Chhatrashibir, in Noakhali Sadar upazila on Sunday.

The incident occurred at Kashem Bazar under Neazpur union around 5pm.

Fazle Rabbi, publicity secretary of the district unit Chhatrashibir, said they organised a “Darsul Quran Programme” at the Kashem Bazar Jame Mosque on Saturday, when a group of Jubo Dal men attacked the event.

In protest, the Chhatrashibir announced another Quran teaching programme at the same mosque after Asr prayer on Sunday.

Following the announcement, leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated bodies attacked Chhatrashibir members at the mosque. Later, they locked the mosque and kept them confined.At least 25 leaders and activists of the Jamaat and Chhatrashibir were injured as the attackers pelted brickbats at them, Rabbi said.

On the other hand, local BNP leaders claimed that after Asr prayer, Chhatrashibir men initiated political activities at the mosque, chanting slogans.

As the BNP men barred them from doing so, they came under attack, leaving 15 of their leaders and activists injured. Eight of them were admitted to Noakhali 250-bed General Hospital, they said.

Sudharam police station Officer-in-Charge Md Kamrul Islam said that upon being informed, the police rushed to the scene, and the situation is now under control. This article was originally published on the Daily Sun. 

BP/ZE