10 detained over violence centring 'Joy Bangla' slogan at Chattogram concert
Preparations are underway to file a case for the violence, which reportedly began after a group chanted pro-Awami League slogans which witnesses claim triggered a reaction from Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal activists present at the venue
Ten people have been detained after a rock concert in Chattogram turned violent last night (11 October) as a scuffle broke out over chanting the slogan "Joy Bangla," leaving one person with a gunshot wound.
Preparations are underway to file a case for the violence, which reportedly began after a group chanted pro-Awami League slogans, including "Joy Bangla" and "Sheikh Hasina," which witnesses claim triggered a reaction from Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) activists present at the venue.
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. Police opened fire to control the ensuing chaos as clashes and vandalism erupted inside the venue.
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Nazir Sharif, 23, sustained a bullet injury and was admitted to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH). Nayeem, who took him to the hospital, said, "The chaos began suddenly during the concert. Amid the commotion, police opened fire and Sharif was hit."
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."
Khulshi Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Nazrul Islam told The Business Standard, "Preparations are underway to file a case over the fighting at the concert. We have arrested 10 people so far. We will verify the detainees and subsequently show them arrested in the case."
An eyewitness, Mohammad Ibrahim, earlier told TBS that the trouble started when the crowd became unmanageable and political slogans were shouted, leading to a chase involving Chhatra Dal activists.
In addition to JCD activist Nazir Sharif, leaders Raju Ahmed and Mohammad Hossain were also reportedly injured.
Khulshi Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Nazrul Islam had previously stated, "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'.
