Abdur Rahman Ishan, Netrokona Representative:
BNP leaders and activists clashed with police during the celebration of the 44th founding anniversary of the party in Netrokona. At least 32 people, including 12 police officers, were injured.
The incident took place on the main road in front of the BNP party office in the Chhotabazar area of the city on Thursday at around 10:30 am. Party leaders and activists and police sources said that party leaders and activists started gathering in front of the party office in Chhotabazar from 10 am on the occasion of the party's founding anniversary. When the main road in the city was closed at around 10:30 am, the police asked them to leave the road. Later, a verbal altercation with the police began, and at one point, BNP activists clashed with the police while trying to clear the main road. During this, the police fired several rounds of blank fire, including tear gas.
At least 32 people, including Additional Superintendent of Police Fakhruzzaman Jewel, and 12 policemen were injured in the incident. District BNP Convening Committee Joint Secretary SM Moniruzzaman Dudu said, "The police came and lathicharged during our peaceful program. They attacked us and threw teargas shells. At least 20 of our leaders and workers were injured in this."
Meanwhile, Additional Superintendent of Police Mohammad Fakhruzzaman Jewel said, "During the celebration of BNP's founding anniversary, activists from different places blocked the road. This stopped the movement of people including vehicles. At that time, when the police came and tried to clear the road, BNP leaders and activists attacked the police. Meanwhile, the injured police members have been given first aid. Currently, the situation is normal, and the movement of vehicles has started."