Asaduzzaman Noor’s convoy attacked

At least five people have been killed and over 150 others injured when Awami League activists clashed with supporters of BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami in Nilphamari.

The clash erupted around 4pm on Saturday at Tupamari Union’s Ramganj bazar area at the district’s Sadar Upazila when the Opposition activists attacked the convoy of a ruling party MP Asaduzzaman Noor, police said.

At least 50 motorcycles, six SUVs and three microbuses were set on fire by the Opposition supporters at the time, Assistant Superintendent of Police of Nilphamari Sadar Circle Shafiul Islam told reporters.

Police had fired rubber bullets and lobbed teargas canisters to take control of the situation, he said.

The deceased were identified as Tupamari Union’s Krishak League unit chief Khorshed Alam Chowdhury, 55, union Juba League's Organising Secretary Farhad Hossain, 26, ruling party activist Lebu Mia, 40, Chhatra League activist Murad Hossain, 20, and Jamaat activist Abu Bakar Siddique, 42.

Lebu Mia and Murad Hossain had rushed to Rangpur Medical College and Hospital as their conditions were critical. They died around 10pm while undergoing treatment, said the hospital police outpost’s Sub-Inspector Golam Kibria.

Nilphamari town Jamaat unit chief Al Faysal Abdul Latif confirmed Siddique's identity.

Asaduzzaman Nur, a renowned actor, was unharmed. The injured have been admitted to Nilphamari Sadar Hospital.

Shafiul Islam said Nur was at the Union to take stock of the situation following the rampage unleashed by Jamaat activists on Friday, a day after Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Abdul Quader Molla was hanged for his 1971 war crimes.