35 hurt as BCL-JCD clash in Dhaka
Police arrested three persons – two JCD activists and a bystander – over the clash
More than 35 people were injured in clashes between Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) activists in the Central Shaheed Minar area of Dhaka University on Tuesday.
"So far, around 35 people have received first aid at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) for injuries from the clash," said Bacchu Mia, inspector in-charge of the DMCH police outpost.
According to witnesses, rallying JCD members were heading towards the Dhaka University TSC area around 9.30am when some BCL activists attacked them near the Shaheed Minar, resulting in a chase, a counter-chase, and throwing of brick chips between the two groups before they dispersed near campus.
Police arrested three persons over the clash. Two were JCD activists and one was a bystander.
"As none of the parties (who took part in the clash) have lodged any complaint, filing a case in the matter is uncertain," said Maudut Hawlader, officer-in charge of Shahbagh police station.
BNP leaders like Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee visited the injured JCD activists at DMCH Tuesday afternoon.
Aman Ullah Aman, member secretary of the DU unit of JCD, said they were on their way to the varsity's Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) to hold a scheduled press briefing to give a statement clarifying the comment of JCD General Secretary Saif Mahmud Jewel which was perceived as "derogatory".
"As we reached near Shaheed Minar from the emergency gate of DMCH, some BCL members attacked us with locally made sharp arms, hockey sticks, and iron rods."
Meanwhile, Saddam Hossain, general secretary of DU's BCL unit, described the incident as a clash between members of the two rival student groups and slammed the JCD general secretary's "derogatory" remarks about the prime minister.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has brushed aside BNP's allegation that the government was behind Tuesday's campus attack on the party's student front, JCD.
"These are political tactics, and many people spread such propaganda. There is no truth to these allegations," he said, responding to a question from a reporter at the secretariat.
The home minister's comment was sought on BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir's remark that the government carried out a planned attack on JCD in the Central Shaheed Minar area.
Regarding the clash, the home minister said every political party or group has freedom to carry out political programmes.
The law enforcement agencies intervene only when there is anarchy, property is destroyed, and roads are blocked causing public suffering, he said.
"Otherwise, they (the political parties) are holding meetings. We think it is their right. We have nothing to say here," said the minister.
