A person was killed and at least 35 others, including BNP Swachhasebak Dal President SM Jilani, were injured on Friday as Awami League men allegedly attacked a BNP convoy in Gopalganj Sadar upazila.
BNP leaders alleged they were attacked by Awami League terrorists without any provocation.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir confirmed Md Shawkat Ali Didar, sports affairs secretary of Swachhasebak Dal, was killed in the incident. Notably, Swachhasebak Dal is BNP’s volunteering wing.
Sixteen of the injured were admitted to Gopalganj 250-bed General Hospital, three to Tungipara Upazila Hospital and three were sent to Dhaka for better treatment. Other injured people were admitted to different clinics.
According to BNP leaders and locals, Swachhasebak Dal chief SM Jilani was heading for Tungipara after ending a rally at Bedgram intersection of Gopalganj district town.
On the way at Ghonapara point of the sadar upazila, the BNP convoy came under attack.
Chases and counter-chases ensued resulting in attacks on Jilani and his Gopalganj District Mohilla Dal President Rawshan Ara. A photojournalist was also injured when trying to film the clashes.
Towfikul Islam, a member of BNP’s Gopalganj unit, the BNP convoy came under attack suddenly, leaving at least 35 injured.
Gopalganj Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Anisur Rahman said police were deployed to area of clashes, and that the situation had stabilised within hours.
“The incident is the manifestation of a deep domestic and foreign conspiracy,” Mirza Fakhrul said noting there is no alternative to crack down on these terrorists.
“All democracy-loving people, including the students, must continue united resistance against the forces of evil so that the conspirators cannot profit by following the path of attacks and bloodshed,” he added.
Bd pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
