12 injured in Jamaat-Gono Odhikar clash in Kushtia; MP Amir Hamza's car vandalised
The clashes erupted near Kushtia-3 lawmaker Amir Hamza’s residence during a Gono Odhikar Parishad protest over his recent remarks about the party.
At least 12 people were injured in a clash between activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and Gono Odhikar Parishad in Kushtia this evening (15 August), during which the vehicle of Kushtia-3 MP Amir Hamza was also vandalised.
Confirming the matter to The Business Standard, Kushtia Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Ops) Faisal Mahmud said the situation was now under control and additional police had been deployed in the area.
"Those responsible will be brought to justice as quickly as possible," he said.
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According to police and local sources, the clash broke out around 6pm at Chhoy Rastar Mor in the city, where leaders and activists of Gono Odhikar Parishad were holding a protest near MP Amir Hamza's residence over his recent remarks about the party.
As the lawmaker's vehicle approached the demonstration, protesters intensified their slogans and attacked the car, smashing its windows.
Supporters of the lawmaker responded with counter-slogans, triggering a heated altercation that quickly escalated into a physical clash, and later into attacks and counter-attacks between the two sides.
The clash continued for about an hour, forcing shops in the area to close.
Toukir, organisational secretary of the Kushtia district unit of Gono Odhikar Parishad, alleged that Jamaat supporters launched an unprovoked attack on their peaceful programme.
"Our secretary's office was vandalised, and eight to 10 of our activists were injured," he said.
Dr Iqbal Hasan, acting resident medical officer of Kushtia General Hospital, said three injured people received primary treatment at the hospital.
However, Enamul Haque, general secretary of Jamaat's Kushtia district unit, denied the allegation and accused Gono Odhikar Parishad activists 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 vehicle came under attack.
