Clash over control of bus stand in Rangpur: 20 hurt

27 January 2009, 18:00 PM

Our Correspondnet, Rangpur

Police chase transport workers as two factions of Sramik League clashed to take control of Rangpur Bus Terminal yesterday. Photo: Banglar Chokh

At least 20 people were injured in a clash between two factions of Sramik League over control of Rangpur central bus terminal yesterday. One faction is led by Awami League leader Sharfuddin Ahmed Jhontu while the other by district AL convener Abul Mansur. The trouble began at around 10:00am as the leaders and activists of Mansur group damaged the stage erected at the terminal by Jhontu faction to hold a general meeting. Jhantu's supporters got furious and made attack on its rival group. Both sides locked in attack and counter-attack that continued for an hour. Police reached the spot at about 11:00am, charged baton and brought the situation under control. Jontu and Monsur were present at the terminal during the incident. But their presence was strongly criticised by some leaders of the AL district unit. When asked, Jhontu and Monsur said they went there to make a negotiation in regard to formation of new committee. Rangpur central bus terminal is the source of extortion. Everyday Tk I lakh has been collected from the terminal in the name of transport workers' welfare. After the AL-led grand alliance came to power, the two factions of Sramik League are trying to take control of the terminal. During the rule of the BNP-led four party alliance, the terminal was under the control of Altaf Hosen Mukul, district president of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal.