50 injured as BNP, BJP activists clash in Bhola

At least 50 people were injured as activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) clashed in Bhola’s New Market area on Saturday afternoon.

The violence erupted around 12:45pm following separate programmes held by the two parties near their respective offices, police and local sources said.

Witnesses said supporters of the BJP brought out a procession from their district office around noon, while BNP activists also marched from their Mahajanpotti office after a rally. When the BNP procession reached the municipal building area, the two sides engaged in brickbatting and chase and counter-chase, leading to a violent confrontation.

Bhola General Hospital Superintendent Dr Tayebur Rahman said 45 injured people received treatment at the hospital, with eight referred to Barishal for advanced care.

District BNP Member-Secretary Raisul Alam alleged that BJP supporters attacked their peaceful procession, injuring several BNP activists.

BJP Organising Secretary Advocate Monirul Islam, however, claimed that BNP men attacked them without provocation.

Bhola Model Police Station OC Hasnain Parvez said police quickly brought the situation under control. “No formal complaints have been filed yet, but legal action will be taken if any are received,” he added.

HKJ