United News of Bangladesh

At least 11 people were injured in a serious of clashes between activists of the Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) in the capital’s New Market area on Tuesday night. The clashes erupted in front of Balaka Cinema Hall under New Market Police Station over alleged extortion from roadside vendors and control of the area, witnesses said. According to witnesses, New Market Jubo Dal activists went to the area in the evening to collect money from roadside shops. Dhaka College students and JCD men reportedly objected to the move. A scuffle broke out when the Jubo Dal activists allegedly assaulted them, prompting the students to return to their college. Later, JCD activists and students from Dhaka College returned to the area, triggering a fresh clash. Police rushed to the spot and tried to bring the situation under control. Witnesses said after learning about the clash, more than 50 Jubo Dal activists, allegedly led by New Market unit Member Secretary KM Chanchal, gathered in the area and attacked several JCD activists with sticks and knives, leaving several of them injured. Later, as the news of the attack spread, Dhaka College students went to Bashundhara Goli near Priyangon Market and reportedly launched a counter-attack, causing extensive vandalism in the area and triggering panic among local residents. Sheikh Zahidul Islam, deputy commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Ramna Division, said they brought the situation under control. Police are investigating the incident and will take legal action based on their findings, he said.