20 hurt as BNP, cops clash in Rajbari; 15 held

At least 20 people including four police personnel were injured as BNP leaders and activists clashed with police in Rajbari town yesterday.

Police detained 15 people after the clash.

Around 12:00pm, Ali Newaz Mahmud Khayyam, former lawmaker of Rajbari- constituency and former president of Rajbari BNP, brought out a procession with thousands of BNP leaders and activists on the occasion of BNP's 45th founding anniversary.

When the procession reached the court gate intersection, police fired rubber bullets, and tear gas, Khayyam claimed.

Police, however, said they were provoked by the BNP members to take necessary actions in order to contain the situation.

Khayyam claimed that sixteen BNP leaders got injured in the incident.

GM Abul Kalam Azad, Superintendent of Police in Rajbari stated, "The activists of BNP started throwing brick chunks at the police. They also tore down Mourning Day placards, festoons. Police opened fire with shotgun pellets to bring the situation under control. 4 cops were injured. They took treatment at Rajbari Sadar Hospital."