1 killed in Gulistan as Hifazat-AL clashes spread

At least one person was killed and several others injured as clashes erupted at the Bangabandhu Avenue in the capital after at least 15 home-made bombs exploded in front of the ruling Awami League headquarters at Bangabandhu Avenue on Sunday.

A helper of a police requisitioned bus, who received bullet wounds, succumbed to his injuries.

bdnews24.com Senior Correspondent Liton Haider present at the spot says he has seen up to seven injured men being driven away from the scene in vans immediately after the explosions.

Witnesses said the explosions took place at around 2pm when several Hifazat processions were heading towards Motijheel to join the group’s rally.

Shahadat Hossain, a witness, told bdnews24.com he had seen several men carrying small firearms. He suspected the Jammat-e-Islami and its student affiliate Islami Chhatra Shibir activists were behind the attacks.

bdnews24.com Senior Correspondent Reazul Bashar, who is at the scene, said at least 15 vehicles were smashed during the skirmish.

At one point, suspected Hifazat activists locked horns with the police in front of the Awami League headquarters and fought pitched battles. Police lobbed teargas shells to bring the situation under control.

The bus driver ‘Jewel’ told bdnews24.com his assistant Siddiqur Rahman, 28, who was standing beside the stadium during the clashes, was hit by a bullet on his face.

He succumbed to his injuries after he was taken to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Jewel said.

A doctor at the hospital said the Rahman had died of excessive bleeding.

During the clashes, several slogans were chanted which are usually used by the Jamaat and Shibir activists. The clashes spread to the stadium, RAJUK Bhaban, Gulistan, and Golap Shah areas.

The ruling party activists got involved in the clashes but Awami League’s metropolitan unit General Secretary Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya alleged that they were orchestrated with the help of the Jamaat and BNP.

“Our activists foiled the attacks with assistance from police,” he added.