Police, protesters clash in Sylhet; One bullet-hit

Clashes broke out between police and protesters  at Sylhet city‍‍`s Court Point  area Sunday noon, leaving an unspecified number of people injured including one with bullet.

As part of the non-cooperation movement, the protesters gathered in the city‍‍`s Court Point area around 11 am. People from different walks of life also joined the students.

Police fired tear gas shells and sound grenades to disperse the protesters, triggering the clash at 12 pm.

At one stage, the protesters left the main road and took position in the adjacent lanes after being obstructed by the police. But after a while, they again came to the court point. They are currently staying there.

One of the injured was taken to a hospital with gunshot wounds, said witnesses. But  police did not confirm any casualties or arrests in the clashes.

Non-cooperation movement announced by Anti-Discrimination Student Movement started from today demanding the resignation of the government.

There are various important government offices including the Deputy Commissioner‍‍`s Office, the Office of the Superintendent of Police, the City Corporation in the area. A large number of police took position in the area with armored vehicles even before the protesters took position.

Meanwhile, auto-rickshaws, motorcycles and rickshaws are plying in Sylhet city but public transport movement remained suspended. Besides, the city‍‍`s shopping malls are closed.

Sylhet Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Azbahar Ali Sheikh said police were deployed at every intersection to control the law and order. When the protesters started throwing brickbats at the police, the police dispersed them.