BNP candidate Khokon, 3 others hurt in Noakhali gun attack

BNP candidate for Noakhali-1 constituency Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon and three other party activists reportedly suffered bullet wounds and 20 others were injured in an attack allegedly by Awami League men in Sonaimur Bypass area of Sonaimuri upazila on Saturday afternoon.

Sonaimuri upazila BNP president Motahar Hossain Manik claimed that when they reached Sonaimuri Bazar area after a meeting at Sonaimuri High School ground, a group of Awami League leaders and activists swooped on them.The ruling party men opened fire on them, leaving four people, including Khokon, injured, he said.The injured were taken to Noakhali General Hospital.

Dr Syed Ahmed Azim, a residential medical officer of the hospital, confirmed that Khokon and three other BNP activists sustained bullet wounds.However, inspector (investigation) of Sonaimuri Police Station Emdadul Haque said a group of BNP leaders and activists, led by Khokon, brought out a procession in the area with sticks after Maghrib prayers.

At one stage, they threw brick chips at police, resorted to vandalism and exploded several crude bombs, he said.Asked about the bullet injury the BNP candidate received, the police official claimed that there was no firing. “He might have hurt himself by crude bomb splinters,” he said.

source: UNB