Olama League no affiliate of Awami League

The ruling Awami League's (AL) leaders yesterday claimed that the party would not shoulder responsibility of any of Awami Olama League's actions as the latter was not affiliated with it and law enforcement agencies have been asked to take steps against troublemakers.

Talking to The Daily Star, AL Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif denied that Awami Olama League was using AL's central office in the capital's Bangabandhu Avenue.

AL Deputy Office Secretary Mrinal Kanti Das too said the party did not recognise any Awami Olama League factions.

At least 25 people were hurt in a clash between two Olama factions in front of Jatiya Press Club on Saturday.

Witnesses said one faction led by Ilias Hossain Helali and Delwar Hossain, claiming to be the president and general secretary respectively, attacked another led by Aktar Hossain and Mawlana Mohammad Abul Hasan Sheikh Shariatpuri, who claim the same.

Abul filed a case with Shahbagh Police Station accusing nine people including Helali. Police say none has been arrested so far.