1,300 sued, 13 arrested over BNP-police clash in Khulna

A case was filed on Friday night against some 1,300 unnamed individuals and 48 BNP leaders and activists ones in connection with a clash between BNP activists and police in Khulna city during the party’s rally on Friday.

Sub-Inspector Khalid Uddin of Khulna Sadar police station filed the case. Thirteen accused have already been arrested in the case.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) Hasan Al Mamun of Khulna Sadar Police Station said BNP information secretary Azizul Bari Helal and 47 others were named among 1,300 individuals.

The arrestees are – Sohail Rana, 20, Gazi Salauddin, 42, Md Ataur Rahman, 48, Md Sekandar Sheikh, 60, Md Shaikhul Molla, 34, Md Wahid Sheikh, 32, Md Russell, 24, Rabbi Chowdhury, 29, Mahbub Gazi, 26, Moniruzzaman Mamun, 42, Md Raju Sheikh, 41, Md Alif Milan, 31, and Md Russell, 27.

The clash broke out on Friday afternoon, when BNP organized a protest march on the premises of Khulna Press Club as part of their countrywide programme to press home their ten-point demand including the government's resignation and holding the next national election under a neutral government.

During the rally, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Divisional Organizing Secretary Anindya Islam Amit, and Information Affairs Secretary Azizul Bari Helal arrived at the spot in a private vehicle.

As the BNP supporters began chanting slogans, the situation escalated around 4:30 pm, leading to a clash between the activists and the police.

BNP activists allegedly hurled brickbats towards police while the police responded with baton charges, tear gas, and rubber bullets. 20 BNP leaders reportedly sustained injuries during the clash.

Khulna Metropolitan BNP convener SM Shafiqul Alam Mana said they were attacked during the rally and were not allowed to speak.

“On the contrary, a case has been filed against our activists," he said.

He further added that the assault and legal proceedings would not suppress the determination of BNP activists.