1 shot after violence breaks out over 'Joy Bangla' slogan at Chattogram concert
Police opened fire to control the chaos as clashes and vandalism broke out inside the venue.
A rock concert in Chattogram turned violent last night (11 October) after a scuffle broke out over chanting the slogan "Joy Bangla," leaving one person with a gunshot wound.
A rock concert in Chattogram turned violent last night (11 October) after a scuffle broke out over chanting the slogan "Joy Bangla," leaving one person with a gunshot wound.
The incident occurred around 8:30pm at the GEC Convention Center in the city's Khulshi area during a "Fun and Rock Fest" organised by a motorcycle brand.
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Police opened fire to control the chaos as clashes and vandalism broke out inside the venue.
Nazir Sharif, 23, sustained a bullet injury and was admitted to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH).
"The chaos began suddenly during the concert. In the commotion, police opened fire and Sharif was hit," said Nayeem, who took him to the hospital.
Nur-e-Alam Ashik, in-charge of the CMCH police outpost, confirmed that two people were injured, including one by gunfire.
Deputy Commissioner Amirul Islam of CMP North Zone said, "The situation is now under control, and we are investigating the cause of the incident."
An eyewitness, Mohammad Ibrahim, told The Business Standard that a concert was going on at the GEC convention. "Since it was open, there were many people. At one point, the management could not handle the crowd, and Artcell also wanted to sing and leave hurriedly.
"But the boys kept requesting to sing. At one point, some shouted slogans in the name of 'Sheikh Hasina' and 'Joy Bangla'. Then the Chhatra Dal activists present at the spot started to chase them. That's when the trouble started. The police came and baton-charged and fired blank bullets. The incident took place at around 8:20 pm," he added.
In addition to JCD activist Nazir Sharif, leaders Raju Ahmed and Mohammad Hossain were also injured.
Khulshi Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Nazrul Islam told TBS, "A company had taken permission for the workshop, but organised a concert. A group wanted to create a mob there. Our patrol police stopped them."
He also said that he did not have information about the slogans in the name of 'Sheikh Hasina' and 'Joy Bangla'.
According to witnesses, the concert was called off midway after violence erupted.
Videos circulating on social media show a group of attendees chanting "Joy Bangla" and "Sheikh Hasina" slogans in front of the stage moments before the confrontation began. The situation quickly escalated, with scenes of vandalism, screaming, and gunfire captured in several clips.
According to several attendees, tension flared when some expelled Bangladesh Chhatra League activists began chanting pro-Awami League slogans, triggering protests from Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal supporters. The altercation soon turned violent, and one group allegedly attempted to break the convention centre's main gate, prompting police to open fire.
Saiful Alam, the convener of the Chhatra Dal's Chattogram city unit, said that during the concert, a group chanted pro-Awami League slogans inside the convention centre. Later, there was a commotion over this. Some of us were injured.
As of 1pm, the GEC Convention Center and surrounding areas are returning to normalcy. In contrast to just 12 hours ago when it was tense and seen with heavy police deployment to prevent any further unrest.
