BNP-Jamaat scuffle leaves 15 people injured in Bhola on Victory Day

Jamaat occupying seats and raising a ruckus triggered the scuffle, says a Jubo Dal leader

At least 15 people have been injured in a scuffle between the activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami during a Victory Day event in Bhola’s Daulatkhan.

Daulatkhan Police chief Saiful Islam Shikder said the incident occurred at the Ghaznavi Stadium on Tuesday.

The Upazila administration organised the event, attended by freedom fighters, families of martyrs, and members of political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat.

Jamaat’s Daulatkhan Upazila unit’s Secretary Ashraf Uddin Faruque said they were attacked by the BNP activists without any provocation.

The administration and police acted as mere bystanders during the attack, Jamaat alleged.

Between 15 and 20 Jamaat activists have been injured during the attack, he said.

Local BNP leaders could not be reached for comments.

Daulatkhan Upazila Jubo Dal Joint Convenor Jahirul Islam said they found Jamaat activists raising a ruckus at the venue after occupying chairs.

A scuffle broke out following a comment from a civil society member that freedom fighters were standing while the anti-liberation force was sitting in chairs, he said.

I am a supporter of independence, but Jamaat activists attending the event seemed unpleasant to me, he said, adding that he, however, had no role in the humiliation of Jamaat activists.