Over 200 injured as AL-BNP engage in clashes in Habiganj

More than two hundred people were injured as activists of Awami League and BNP locked in clashes in Habiganj on Sunday afternoon (August 20, 2023).

Witnesses said the clash broke out around 5:30pm when ruling AL leaders and activists were bringing out their procession protesting yesterday‍‍`s clash between BNP and police.

The two groups locked in clashes and chased each other for two hours in the Shaestanagar area of Habiganj town, locals said.

Both the parties blamed each other for starting the clash.

However, police reached the spot around 7pm and fired rubber bullets and teargas to bring the situation under control.

According to sources, the ruling Awami League brought out a procession in the city on Sunday afternoon. The clash took place when the procession reached in front of the regional party office of the BNP at Shaestanagar area.

"We held a peaceful protest rally. At the end of the rally, we brought out a peaceful procession. At that time, suddenly the BNP leaders and activists attacked us. When we tried to resist them, clashes ensued, leaving more than 100 leaders and activists of AL injured" alleged advocate Lutfor Rahman, joint general secretary of AL‍‍`s Habiganj unit.

Meanwhile, District Chhatra Dal President Shah Rajib Ahmed Ringon alleged that Awami League leaders and activists vandalised their party office with sticks. They even vandalised the house of BNP joint convener and former municipal mayor GK Gaus, he said.

He said that about 100 activists were injured in the clash.

Earlier on Saturday, 150 people, including the officer in-charge of Habiganj Sadar police station, were injured as police and BNP engaged in clashes.