One killed, 20 injured in Rajshahi clashes

One person has been shot dead and at least 20 others have been injured in clashes between BNP activists and police, joined by Awami League men, at Puthia in Rajshahi.

The deceased was identified as Abdul Majid, 45, son of Khoymuddin of Marhia village under Charghat Upazila of the district.

The BNP claimed Majid was its activist and called a dawn-to-dusk strike for Tuesday in the district in protest against the murder.

BNP district Office Secretary Golam Mostafa Mamun said Majid was a member of the party’s Salua union unit.

Puthia Police Station Inspector (investigation) Hafizur Rahman Hafiz said there were repeated clashes at the Baneshwar Bazar area in the afternoon.

He said Majid, a shopkeeper, was caught in the clashes when he tried to flee the area after shutting his shop.

Hafiz said: “Awami League leaders and activists joined a rally at the Baneshwar intersection. Police intercepted a black flag procession taken out by BNP leaders and activists from the Baneshwar Bazar while it was proceeding in that direction. They started throwing stones at the police and were locked in clashes.”

He said five police personnel were injured and were given first aid locally.

The officer said police lobbed teargas shells and fired rubber bullets to ‘bring the situation under control’.

Local Awami League, however, claimed Majid to be its supporter.

Local MP and Awami League leader Abdul Wadud Dara said: “Majid was a trader. Though he was not directly involved in politics, he would support the Awami League.”

District Sechchhasebak League Joint Convenor Abdus Samad claimed Majid had been killed by a bullet fired by BNP supporters.