BNP activist dies in clash with police in Kishoreganj

The violence broke out at the Chhoysuti Bas Stand on the Bhairab-Kishoreganj-Mymensingh Highway around 8 am, police say

At least one BNP activist has died following a clash with police in Kishoreganj’s Kuliarchar during the nationwide blockade called by the party.

The BNP, however, claimed two of their activists had died and more than 50 people were injured in the clash.

The violence broke out at the Chhoysuti Bas Stand on the Bhairab-Kishoreganj-Mymensingh Highway around 8 am on Tuesday, said Kuliarchar Police Station chief Md Golam Mostafa.

The Chhoysuti BNP brought out a procession in support of the blockade around 8 am. Police fired on the procession the moment it reached the Chhoysuti Bus Stand.

“BNP brought out a peace procession supporting the blockade but the police fired at us indiscriminately killing two of our leaders Rifat and Billal,” said Kuliarchar Upazila BNP President Nurul Millat.

Rifat Ullah, 20, was the vice president of the Chhoysuti Union Chhatra Dal. Billal Hossain was the Krishak Dal president of the same union. Rifat’s body has been kept at the morgue in Zahurul Islam Medical College Hospital.

Billal’s body was still at the scene, BNP leaders said. They claimed that 25-30 of their activists were injured.

OC Golam Mostafa confirmed one death in the clash but couldn’t confirm if Billal was killed by gunshot or any other means.

“The BNP activists participating in the procession attacked police first. Police took refuge in a nearby house but they attacked it too.”

“A chase and counter-chase took place between the two groups and police had to fire in self-defence. I was injured in the clash too while other 15-16 policemen were injured.”

The police officer also said the BNP activists vandalised some vehicles and two of them were arrested.