Our Correspondent
RAJSHAHI, Dec 28: At least five BNP activists were injured on Sunday during a clash between police and leaders and activists of BNP and its front organisations at Zero Point area in Rajshahi city.
The clash erupted as the cops fired rubber bullets and tear shells in their frantic bid to take the situation under control.
A tense situation was prevailing in the city following the incident. The city's business hub Saheb Bazaar area wore a deserted look after the clash.
Rajshahi metro unit of BNP leaders and activists organized a demonstration and rally at Bhubanmohan Park in the city ahead of Monday's hartal, but police intervened soon after claiming that they didn't issue any permission for the rally, sources concerned said. As the BNP leaders and activists faced obstacles, they held a demonstration at the park, where Joint Secretary General of central BNP Mizanur Rahman Minu, Rajshahi city Mayor Mosaddikh Hossein Bulbul and General Secretary of Metro BNP Shafiqul Haque Milon addressed.
Later, the leaders and activists of city unit Awami Mahila League brought out a rally in the city and crossed the Bhubanmohan park. Jatiyatabadi Mahila Dal also brought out a protest procession defying police embargo. As Mahila Dal activists gathered at Sonadighir More area, the leaders and activists of JCD and BNP also brought out procession.
At one stage, the protesters started throwing bricks and stones at the police, prompting the law enforcers to retaliate lobbing a number of rubber bullets and tear shell.
As the clash continued for a while, at least five BNP activists were injured, the BNP leaders alleged.
The BNP leaders also condemned the role of police against the BNP activists.
Source concerned said that the BNP activists vandalised at least two shops, a car and a police van during the clash.