At least four protesters were shot dead and 50 others injured in a violent clash with the activists of Awami League and its affiliates in Laxmipur district on Sunday.
The deceased are Afanan Patwary, Kawsar, Sabbir, and Miraj. Amon them, Afanan died on the way to Dhaka for treatment.
Confirming the deaths, Laxmipur Sadar Hospital Residential Medical Officer (RMO) Dr. Arup Pal said,"More than fifty injured individuals were brought to the hospital. Among them, three died due to gunshot wounds before reaching at the hospital. Another died while being transported to Dhaka. The injured are currently receiving medical treatment."
The clash reportedly began around noon in Madham Bridge area when the Chairman of Sadar Upazila Parishad and former President of the district Jubo League, AKM Salah Uddin Tipu allegedly fired at the protesters. At around 2pm, when the protesters surrounded Tipu's house in the Tamiz Market area of the town, he allegedly fired at them from the roof again, resulting in over a hundred people being injured by gunfire. Enraged protesters then reportedly set fire to Tipu's house using petrol.
Efforts to reach the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sadar Model Police Station, Easin Faruk Majumdar, for comments were unsuccessful as he did not respond to multiple calls.
WRH/SA
