17 vehicles torched, AL men attacked

Activists of the Jamaat-e-Islami and the Hifazat-e Islam have attacked an anti-shutdown procession of the Awami League at Chittagong’s Fatikchcharhi and set fire to at least 15 motorcycles and two jeeps.

The attack also left at least 25 people injured, including law enforcers, on Thursday.

The Islami Chhatra Shibir, Jamaat’s student front, had called the shutdown demanding release of their central President Delwar Hussen.

The procession came under attack in Kazir Hat under Bhujpur Police Station following an announcement made on the loudspeakers of a mosque in that area.

Three fire fighters were also attacked as they tried to put out the fire on the vehicles, and a Fire Service vehicle was vandalised by the attackers.

Section-144 has been slapped in Bhujpur in a bid to control the situation.

An anti-shutdown procession led by Awami League leader ATM Peyarul Islam was brought out in ‘Azadi Bazar’ of Fatikchari, ASP AFM Nizam Uddin of Hathazari circle told bdnews24.com quoting witnesses.

When the procession neared Bhujpur, an announcement was made from the loudspeakers of Kazir Haat’s ‘Boro Madrassa’ mosque saying criminals were approaching to attack the madrassa.

Students of the madrassa and local Jamaat supporters began hurling brickbats at the procession and attacked with bamboo sticks and sharp weapons.

AFM Nizam Uddin said several law enforcers including him were injured.

A fire engine also fell prey to their fury as it arrived there to douse the fire set by the attackers, said Agrabad Fire Service Deputy Assistant Director Jasim Uddin. Three fire fighters were injured in the attack.

Fatikchari Upazila Executive Officer Anjana Khan Mojlish told bdnews24.com that Section 144 had been imposed in the area and BGB personnel, among other law enforcers, deployed there.

Local Awami League leaders claimed the attackers were leaders and followers of the Hifazat-e Islam and the Jamaat-e-Islami.