More than a hundred people were injured as activists of Awami League and BNP locked in clashes in Khagrachhari earlier today.
A clash broke out at Shapla Chattar area around 10:30 am when local BNP leaders and activists were bringing out their procession as part of the party’s central program.
AL’s local unit had also planned a procession around the same time.
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The two groups locked in clashes and chased each other for over three hours in the Shapla Chattar and nearby areas, locals said.
Clashes erupted throughout Khagrachhari town — from Bhanga Bridge to Shapla Chattar. Both sides attacked with iron rods and bamboo sticks.
In the clashes, the municipality office was vandalised and at least 8 motorcycles were torched.
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More than 100 people, including district Awami League Deputy Secretary Nurul Azam, Md Almas, Kyajri Marma and district BNP’s Coordinator Secretary Md Hossain Babu were injured.
Police fired rubber bullets and used tear gas to bring the situation under control. Additional police have been deployed in the area.
Local AL and BNP leaders have blamed each other for initiating the clash.
Khagrachari BNP General Secretary MN Absar said, “More than 50 leaders and activists were hurt and the BNP office was vandalised as Awami League activists attacked us when we attempted to march in accordance with the central program. Later, BNP activists fought back.”
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Khagrachari AL General Secretary Nirmalendu Chowdhury said, “The BNP cadres attacked us with sticks when we were on our way to take part in the ‘development procession’. They vandalised numerous commercial buildings, including the municipality building of Khagrachari. More than 50 leaders and activists of AL were hurt. Police played a passive role when we requested assistance.”
“I made multiple phone calls to the District Commissioner and the Police Superintendent. However, the administration did nothing,” said the AL leader.
Some of the injured were taken to the Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital.
Situation in the town was tense and there were no vehicles on the road. Shops in the town were also closed.