Nationwide blockade: Three policemen beaten up, left injured as Narayanganj turns into battlefield

At least 20 people including 3 policemen were injured in a tripartite clash among biggest political opposition BNP, ruling Awami League and law enforcers. 

The clash took place in the Panchrukhi Bazar area located in Narayanganj of the Dhaka-Sylhet highway on Tuesday between 8:30 am and 10:00 am.

The three injured policemen are Inspector Humayun Kabir, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Md Matin and constable Md Nurul.

Confirming the matter Narayanganj‍‍`s Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police Abir Hossain told the media that Constable Nurul‍‍`s condition is critical. He was admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

He was injured on his head with sharp weapon. Inspector Humayun Kabir‍‍`s right hand was severely injured and his left hand was broken after being beaten, he added.

Moreover, ASI Matin was hit with sticks and bricks. 

Humayun and Matin were admitted to a private hospital in Rupganj upazila of the district. Humayun will be sent to National Orthopedic Hospital and Rehabilitation Institute in the capital, Abir Hossain furthered.

District‍‍`s Additional Superintendent of Police Amir Khosru said that the situation is currently under the control of the police. Cops have been deployed in the area. Three people were detained from the spot during the clash.

According to eyewitnesses, in support of the 72-hour blockade, Nazrul Islam, international affairs assistant secretary of BNP‍‍`s central committee, marched along the Dhaka-Sylhet highway with hundreds of agitators around 8:30 am. 

At that time, BNP leaders and workers blocked the road by burning tree trunks, poles and tires with bamboo sticks in hands. When the police stopped them, a chase ensued between the two sides. Police fired rubber bullets and lobbed tear gas shells towards BNP leaders and activists. The BNP men then threw brickbats at the police. Then BNP supporters chased the police, caught the earlier mentioned three policemen and left them injured.

Local Awami League leaders and activists now appeared into the scene and stood behind the law enforcers. 

When more policemen from the police station came to the spot, the BNP men left the road. 

At least three buses plying on the Dhaka-Narsingdi road were vandalized by the blockaders during the clash. After about an hour and a half of the clash, the traffic on the road resumed with the efforts of the police, eyewitnesses also claimed.

BNP leader, Nazrul Islam claimed that at least 17 of his leaders and activists were injured in the clash. 

He said, "In the beginning, we were marching peacefully on the road accompanied by his men. The police attacked us for no reason. Later Awami League men joined the police. They also vandalized my house."