Bomb explosion, brawl ruin Chhatra League conference in Chittagong

A clash has erupted following a crude bomb explosion that disrupted a gathering of Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student wing of the ruling Awami League, in Chittagong.

The bomb exploded near the Institution of Engineers Bangladesh in the port city around 12:15pm Tuesday.

Factions of the student body engaged in a brawl as guests started leaving the venue in panic, bdnews24.com correspondent Mithun Chowdhury reports from the scene.

Some leaders and activists fell on the ground and suffered injuries while trying to make way through the rush of people.

Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, minister for housing and public works, and local MPs were present among the guests. 

“The attackers are not from the Chhatra League. They are infiltrators,” Hossain said on the microphone in an attempt to restore order at the venue.

The bomb exploded when Chittagong Chhatra League President Sakib Hossain was addressing the event.

Five people who were injured in the brawl were taken to Chittagong Medical College Hospital.

Local Chhatra League activists rallied to the institute in groups while police and RAB personnel took position nearby.

Minister Hossain and others finally left as the programme could not resume by 1pm. Soon after they left, the Chhatra League activists blocked traffic on the road along the institute.

“Some infiltrators led the attack as guests spoke against Jamaat-Shibir in their speeches,” Abu Toiyob, general secretary of Chittagong (north) Chhatra League, told bdnews24.com.

The first round of the conference was adjourned, he said adding that the second round will follow later in the day.

Some Chhatra League factions clashed at Laldighi field on Monday during a memorial ceremony being held for former Chittagong mayor late Mohiuddin Chowdhury.