Shooting between BCL factions in Rajshahi leaves 1 dead

A factional clash of the ruling Awami League’s student wing over gaining control of Rajshahi City College has left an activist dead.

Jibon Sheikh, 25, died from a bullet wound. He was a former student of the college and an active member of BNP's youth wing.

He went to the site of the clash with a friend, who is a supporter of the Bangladesh Chhatra League faction, led by college unit President ‘Robin’.

Assistant Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police’s detective wing, Ifte Khayer Alam, said the clash took place in front of Malopara Police Camp in the city around 11pm on Thursday.

The police official said there was long-standing rivalry between Robin and son of Boalia Awami League president Atikur Rahman Kalu’s son ‘Tuhin’.

“On Thursday afternoon, Robin called Tuhin to the college and beat him with a metal pipe. In the evening, Kalu filed a complaint with the police.”

In retaliation, Robin’s supporters went on the rampage at Kalu’s chamber at the Ranibazar intersection around 10pm, vandalising the office and burning his motorcycle.

They also hacked Tuhin’s elder brother Tushar, an activist of the BCL city unit. He was admitted to the Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.

Alam said, “Hearing of the attack, Tuhin with his supporters attacked Robin and his followers at Malopara Intersection around 11pm. Shots were fired during the chase and counter-chase.”

Jibon fell on being hit by a bullet and was declared dead taken to the Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.

Saiful Islam, doctor at the facility’s emergency ward, told bdnews24.com: “A bullet hit him under his left eye and exited at the back of his ear. He died before being brought into the hospital.”

He added that Tushar had slashes on his hand, chest and back, and was in a ‘serious’ condition.