Cop among 2 injured in scuffle over BNP-Jamaat programmes in Kushtia

A scuffle broke out between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami supporters over separate protest programmes in Kushtia's Mirpur today (3 October), leaving two people, including the officer-in-charge of Mirpur Police Station, injured.

The incident took place at Ajutla Bazar in Atigram Union of the upazila in the afternoon, when both BNP and Jamaat organised separate protest programmes at the same venue around the same time.

According to locals and police, BNP leaders had alleged on Friday that a political discussion was being held at a mosque in the area. Against this backdrop, BNP and Jamaat announced separate protest programmes at Ajutla Bazar on Saturday.

The programmes at the same venue led to tension between supporters of the two groups.

After Jamaat leaders and activists completed their programme and left the venue, BNP activists arrived at the spot. An argument then broke out between BNP activists and several Jamaat leaders, which later turned into a scuffle and chase.

Police intervened to bring the situation under control. Mirpur Police Station OC Shahidul Islam was injured during the incident, while another person was also injured. The identity of the second injured person could not immediately be confirmed.

When contacted, OC Shahidul Islam told The Business Standard that he sustained a minor injury and received primary treatment.

"The situation is now under control. Additional police had been deployed in the area while patrols and surveillance have been intensified to prevent any further incident," the OC added.

Attempts to contact local BNP and Jamaat leaders for comments were unsuccessful.