BNP clashed with police to cash in on the issue: Monirul

BNP activists have engaged in a clash with the police in Naya Paltan only to cash in on an issue just before the election, said Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Monirul Islam.

The BNP leaders and activists clashed with the police on the third of the nomniation form sale on Wednesday, turning the area into a battle field.

“They engaged in the clash without any provocation,” Monirul said.

At least 13 police officials, including the ADC of Motijheel Zone, were injured in the incident and have been admitted to the hospital, said police.

The BNP leaders and activists did not follow the police’s request to maintain order while collecting nomination forms, Monirul alleged.

Violence broke out when the supporters of BNP leaders Mirza Abbas and Akhtaruzzaman came to the party headquarters to collect nomination forms, a witness told bdnews24.com.

The leaders and activists pelted police with brickbats when they tried to control the situation, said Monirul.

They attacked two police cars and an APC van and torched the vehicles later, said Monirul.

“Police serve the state; do not treat police as an opponent.”

He urged the BNP leaders and activists to collect the nomination forms in an orderly manner.

Traffic came to a standstill from Nightingale intersection in Kakrail to Fakirapul during the clash. It returned to normal around 3pm.