1 killed, 15 hurt as AL rivals clash

21 March 2009, 18:00 PM

Our Correspondent, Barisal

One person was killed and 15 others were injured in a clash between two factions of Awami League (AL) Mehendiganj upazila unit under Barisal district yesterday. One faction is led by upazila AL President Sardar Maheb Hossain while the other by Maj (retd) Nasir. The dead, BCL activist Riazuddin Palash, belonged to Maheb Hossain faction. He succumbed to injuries on way to Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital (BSBMCH). Six of the injured-- Manir, Kalu Bepari, Nirob, Yunus, Sahabuddin, Dijenwere admitted to BSBMCH while the rest given first aid. Police and local sources said the clash ensued over convening an extended meeting of the local AL unit by Maheb Hossain at his residence in Badarpur area of Mehendiganj upazila town. Nasir' supporters decided to boycott the meeting, saying that Mahed convened the meeting without consulting with upazila AL Secretary Kamaluddin Khan. Both sides exchanged heated words over the matter and at one stage locked in a fierce clash that continued for about two hours. The situation became tense after the death news of Palash reached the Mehendiganj town. A procession, led by AL leader and Sadar Union (UP) Chairman Nizamuddin, was brought out in the town demanding punishment to the killers of Palash.