BNP groups fight inside Rajshahi police station over AL leader's release

Two groups of Rajshahi BNP scuffled inside a police station on Saturday (15 March) over the release of an Awami League leader accused in a case filed for allegedly attacking protesters during the July uprising last year, police said.

Besides, the AL leader Abul Kalam allegedly kicked Assistant Organising Secretary of Rajshahi divisional unit of Krishak Dal Alamin Sakar Titu who opposed the release.

The incident occurred inside Boalia Model Police Station yesterday afternoon, and a video footage showing the scuffle and kicking went viral on social media.

The AL leader held the post of president of Rajshahi Truck-Covered Van Owners' Association and Rajshahi Urea Fertilizer Dealers' Association.

Earlier, he was involved with the politics of BNP in Paba upazila and later shifted to AL when the party came to power.

Police arrested the accused from Central Bus Truck Terminal in Rajshahi yesterday noon and took him to the police station.

Hearing his arrest, leaders and activists from the BNP started gathering on the police station premises.

Expressing sorrow, Krishak Dal leader Titu said some so-called BNP leaders went to the police station to release the AL leader through lobbying.

He alleged that AL leader Kalam kicked him when he opposed in front of all inside the police station. He was also a victim of harassment by the so-called BNP leaders for their stance against the AL leader, he claimed.

Zillur Rahman, former convenor of Shah Makhdum police station unit of the BNP, called the AL leader as their well-wisher saying that Kalam maintained relations with the AL only for his business.

He alleged that Kalam was sued in a false case to grab the Tuck-Covered Owners' Association.

Boalia Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Moshtak Ahmed said some unexpected incident occurred between BNP leaders and activists when the accused was being taken to a court from the police station.

No one came here to lobby to release him, he added.