10 injured as Gono Odhikar Parishad, Jatiyo Party activists clash in Barishal

At least 10 people were injured as violent clashes broke out between activists of Gono Odhikar Parishad and Jatiyo Party in Barishal yesterday (31 May). 

The clashes, which occurred in two phases — one in the afternoon and another at night — took place on Fakir Bari Road of the city.

According to Jatiyo Party leaders, the party's local office was vandalised at night by members of the Gono Odhikar Parishad. However, leaders of Gono Odhikar Parishad have denied the allegations, instead claiming that Jatiyo Party activists initiated the violence.

Mohsinul Islam Habul, an adviser to the Jatiyo Party chairman, said, "A group of unknown individuals attacked our rally in the afternoon. After the incident, our members returned home. Later, we were informed that our party office on Fakir Bari Road had been vandalised."

Habul alleged that members of the Gono Odhikar Parishad were behind the vandalism.

Shafiqul Islam Sagar, senior vice president of Gono Odhikar Parishad's Barishal Metropolitan unit, said, "We do not know who attacked the Jatiyo Party office. We've heard that enraged locals, protesting the Jatiyo Party's shameful assault on our members, may have carried out the attack. We were not involved."

Sagar alleged that Jatiyo Party members assaulted their peaceful activists during a rally. He said a written complaint has been submitted to the police seeking justice.

"We have named Jatiyo Party Chairman GM Quader as the main accused, along with 30 others. Additional unknown individuals have also been accused," Sagar added.

Kotwali Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mizanur Rahman said Jatiyo Party activists handed over one individual to police custody in the afternoon, but no arrests have been made yet.

He also said members of Gono Odhikar Parishad had staged a protest in front of the police station.