Opposition BNP supporters have engaged in back-to-back clashes with ruling Awami League activists in Natore. The clashes took place after the BNP supporters set fire to a train by hurling a petrol bomb on Saturday morning.
At least 20 people were injured. Of them, one received bullet injuries. A motorcycle was also burnt during the clashes. Later army personnel calmed down the situation. Natore Sadar Police Station’s OC Aslam Uddin confirmed the incidents.“Efforts are on to arrest the armed criminals.” Juba League activist Al Amin, 32, who was shot, has been admitted to Natore General Hospital.
Juba League activist Jewel, 26, Jahurul, 28, Natore District Juba Dal president Aftab Hossain, 35, BNP activists Mahbubur Rahman, 35, Jahir Uddin, 34, Sanoar Hossain, 32, and Kamrul Bepari, 36, were among those sustained sharp-weapon injuries.
They have been admitted to various clinics in the district town.
Witnesses said shutdown and blockade supporters set fire to Ekota Express and vandalised it at 9:30am, damaging the train’s guardroom and an air-conditioned bogie.
Protesting against the incident, ruling Awami League supporters took out a procession that led to the clash with the BNP supporters.
Both sides engaged in back-to-back clashes until 12:30pm and used fire arms and sharp weapons.
As the clashes turned more violent, police reached there. At one stage, BNP activists burned the motorcycle of a Juba League activist and another of an Awami League activist.
Police and army brought the situation under control at 12:30pm.
N S Government College Chhatra League president Bulbul Ahmed confirmed that his colleagues suffered injuries in the clashes.
Natore District Juba Dal president Aftab Hossain confirmed that his colleagues and he got injuries during the clashes.
Juba Dal is the youth affiliate of the BNP that has called the shutdown on the poll eve and polling day amid its non-stop blockade in a bid to prevent the polls.
Juba League is the youth affiliate of the ruling Awami League that has been going ahead with the polls despite the BNP and its allies’ not participating in it. – bdnews24.com
