BNP-police clash in Araihazar injures 30

A group of BNP activists engaged in a clash with members of the police on the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway at Araihazar of Narayanganj on Tuesday morning, the first of a three-day countrywide blockade enforced by BNP and like-minded political parties.

The clash broke out at the Pachrukhi area of the upazila. After the clash, Police and BGB jointly conducted a raid in the area and detained three BNP leaders, the party claimed.

Police said BNP leaders and activists blocked the highway in the Pachrukhi area on Tuesday morning by burning tires and vandalising several vehicles, bringing traffic to a stop.

On information, police reached the area and engaged in a round of chase and counter-chase. BNP men hurled brickbats and cocktails at the police. Police shot rubber bullets and tear shells to disperse the activists when the clash intensified, and 30 people from both sides ended up injured.

Upazila BNP Chairman Yusuf Ali Bhuiyan said police shot rubber bullets and tear shells at the party activists without any provocations, and several leaders and activists were injured.

Araihazar Police Station Officer in Charge Ahsan Ullah said BNP leaders and activists blocked the highway. Police shot tear shells and rubber bullets to disperse them.

/KN/