News Desk :
At least 50 people, including cops and journalists, were injured in clashes between BNP activists and police in Rangpur.
The incident was reported from the district’s Gangachara upazila on Thursday afternoon, reports our Rangpur correspondent.
According to police and locals, BNP called a demonstration at Gangachara on Thursday, protesting the death of Jubo Dal leader, Shawon, in Narayanganj and the price hike of essentials.
To join the demo, the leaders and activists of BNP gathered at the old Sonali Bank intersection area of the upazila around 3:00 pm.
Then, they brought out a rally from there around 5:00 pm. When the procession was approaching Gangachara bazar, police barred it, resulting in a clash.
At a stage, police charged batons and fired rubber bullets and tear gas shells on the protesters. In retaliation, protesters hurled brick chips, leaving at least 30 BNP leaders and activists and 20 police members, including Gangachara police station OC Dulal Hossain, injured.
After that, several chase and counter chase took place between the BNP activists and police.
All injured have been admitted to upazila health complex and Rangpur Medical College Hospital for treatment. Additional police forces have been deployed in the area.
Rangpur district assistant police superintendent Hossain Raihan said with charging batons, police fired 50 rounds of rubber bullets and tear gas shells to disperse the protesters. The injured were taken to the hospital, Hossain Raihan added.
He said 20 police members, including Gangachara police station OC Dulal Hossain, were wounded by hurling brick chips.
Additional police forces have been deployed in Gangachara bazar to evade further tension and the situation is now under control.
