Jamaat, Gono Odhikar Parishad clashes leave 12 injured in Kushtia

At least 12 people were injured in clashes between activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and Gono Odhikar Parishad in Kushtia this evening (15 August).

According to police and local sources, the violence broke out around 6pm at the city's Chhoy Rastar Mor, where Gono Odhikar leaders and activists were holding a protest near Kushtia-3 lawmaker Amir Hamza's residence over his recent remarks about the party.

As the MP's car approached the demonstration, protesters intensified their slogans. Police and locals said the vehicle was attacked, shattering its windows.

Supporters of the lawmaker responded with counter-slogans, leading to a heated altercation that quickly escalated into a physical clash, and later into attacks and counter-attacks between the two sides.

The hour-long confrontation forced shops in the area to close, locals said.

Toukir, organisational secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad's Kushtia district unit, alleged that Jamaat supporters launched an unprovoked attack during their peaceful programme and vandalised the party secretary's office.

"Our secretary's office was vandalised, and 8 to 10 of our activists were injured," he added.

Enamul Haque, general secretary of Jamaat's Kushtia district unit, denied the allegation and accused Gono Odhikar Parishad of carrying out a planned attack with supporters brought in from different political parties.

He also alleged that police remained inactive despite being present when the lawmaker's car came under attack.

Dr Iqbal Hasan, acting resident medical officer of Kushtia General Hospital, said three injured people received primary treatment at the hospital.

Additional Superintendent of Police Faisal Mahmud said the situation was now under control and additional police had been deployed.

"Those responsible will be brought to justice as quickly as possible," he said.