Section 144 in Chuadanga as 50 BNP men hurt in clashes

The injured include editor of a local daily.

The administration clamped Section 144 on the town for an indefinite period to stave off further violence.

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According to police and witnesses, clash ensued when Ohidul Islam, president of Chuadanga town BNP and some of his supporters were obstructed from entering the council venue--Simanta Town Hall-- by opponents led by Nazmul Salehin Liton, Chauadanga Krishik Dal General Secretary.

Soon the rival groups were locked in a clash inside the hall, leaving about 20 people injured.

They used iron roads, brickbats and lethal weapons and also ransacked the hall.

Being informed, members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and police quelled the violence by charging batons and hurling tear gas shells.

The rivals then regrouped in different areas and fought pitched battles, spreading the violence in the whole town. Over 30 people were injured in the clashes.

Editor of local daily Mathabhanga Sardar Al-Amin was injured when some ruling party activists attacked him. He was admitted to Chuadanga Sadar Hospital.

The district administration imposed Section 144 in the town for an indefinite period as its request to BNP and Krishak Dal leaders to postpone the council went unheeded, official sources said yesterday when contacted over phone.