22 injured in AL-BNP clash in Laxmipur

PBC News:  At least 22 leaders and activists of both Awami League and Bangladesh Nationalist Party were injured in a clash during the observance of Amar Ekushey and the International Mother Language Day in Raipur upazila of Laxmipur district on Monday.

Of the injured, 14 are receiving treatment at the Raipur Upazila Health Complex.

According to the locals, the leaders and activists of BNP came in front of Gazi Market around 8.00 am after placing floral wreaths at Shaheed Minar. At the same time, leaders and activists of Awami League also gathered at their office in that area to pay their homage to language martyrs.

Few activists of the ruling party chased the BNP men when they brought out a procession and came in front of AL’s office. Leaders and activists of both parties then locked in a clash, leaving at least 22 people injured.

Later, Awami League activists brought a procession in the bus terminal area and vandalized two motorcycles; a Chinese restaurant and gym building of a BNP supporter named Azad Hossain.

Being informed, police came to the spot and brought the situation under control.

Raipur Municipality unit Awami League president Kazi Jammed Kabir Bakki Billah said, “BNP leaders and activists chanted anti-government slogans from their procession when they went to pay homage at the Shaheed Minar in the morning. When we wanted to stop them they threw brickbats at us which left 10-12 of our leaders and activists seriously injured.”

A case is under process in this regard, he added.

Raipur upazila unit BNP general secretary Nazmul Alam Mitu said, “We came to Gazi Market peacefully in the morning after placing floral wreaths at Shaheed Minar. Leaders and activists of Awami League attacked us while distributing breakfast among the activists.”