Staff Reporter :A human chain programme of the Swadhinota Forum, a pro-BNP social organisation, came under attack in front of National Press Club in the city on Saturday morning. The programme was arranged protesting the frequent attacks on BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and demanding punishment to the attackers. According to eyewitnesses and leaders of the Swadhinota Forum, the leaders and the workers of some pro-Awami League organisations, with bamboo sticks, attacked thehuman chain and snatched its banner soon after the programme began. At least 15 people, including President of the Swadhinata Forum Abu Naser Mohammad Rahmatullah, were injured in the attack. Of the injured, BNP’s central committee member Khaleda Yeasmin was admitted to LabAid Hospital, while other injured were admitted to different hospitals in the city. Abu Naser Rahmatullah said, “The members of Muktijuddha Sangsad and several other ruling party men suddenly swooped on our programme without any provocation.” Protesting the attack, he said that the ruling party men have become desperate fearing Khaleda Zia’s popularity. “Our programme was peaceful and it condemned the “ruling party terrorists’ attack” on Khaleda Zia’s motorcade,” he said. Members of the Muktijoddha Sangsad and some other AL men gathered in front of the Press Club and formed a human chain in favour of the AL-backed candidates in the City Corporation polls. It carried banner: “Cast Your Votes Against Arson Attackers”.
