Instead of paying respect to martyrs, AL leaders scuffle

Clash between two factions of local Awami League in Gaibandha’s Sadullapur Upazila have left seven injured.

The violence broke out on Thursday dawn when the activists went to the local Liberation War Memorial to pay tribute to martyrs in a bid to mark the 44th Independence Day anniversary.

Sadullapur Police OC Zia Latiful Islam said the clash ensued following an argument between supporters of local MP Yunus Ali Sarkar and Upazila AL General Secretary Shaharia Khan Biplob.

“Although the MP was in Gaibandha, District AL Forest and Environment Secretary Matiar Rahman and Juba League Vice President Farukul Islam Faruk went with activists on his behalf to pay tribute.”

“The scuffle started  when Biplob’s supporters demanded to pay tribute first.”

The violence caused panic amongst others who went to pay tribute.

Matiar Rahman, Upazila Organising Secretary STM Ruhul Alam, Liberation War Affairs Secretary Abdul Jalil Azmi, Members Khandaker Zillur Rahman, Ranju Mia, ‘Mahanta’ and Juba League activist ‘Amin’ were injured.

Biplob claimed the incident was fuelled by the dissatisfaction of AL activists over the MP tagging along a ‘Jamaat-e-Islami leader’ and pro-BNP Chairman Saidur Rahman Munshi on an invitation at STM Ruhul Alam’s house on Wednesday.

“Saidur Rahman Munshi is a Jamaat leader and accused of ordering an attack on me. A charge sheet naming him has also been filed at court.”

Biplob also said they would resist the MP’s participation in another programme scheduled for later in the morning.

Yunus Ali Sarkar could not be reached over phone for his comments.

Matiar Rahman explained : “The MP went to 4-5 programme on Wednesday and could not go to pay tribute as he fell sick. We went on his behalf.”