N'ganj transport workers clash with cops

At least 20 people, including five policemen, were injured in a clash between police and transport workers following detention of their leader for beating up a cop in plainclothes over a trifling matter at Panchabati in Fatullah Upazila of Narayanganj yesterday.

Protesting the incident, the workers went berserk and vandalised several vehicles blocking Dhaka-Munshiganj road by burning tyres for around half an hour. They also ransacked Park Adventure Land of the city corporation.

On information, police rushed in and tried to disperse the agitators by firing 20 to 30 rounds of bullets that led to the clash, leaving at least 20 people injured. Transport workers--Rahim Enayet, Faruque, Hasan, and Al Amin-- were wounded with bullets.

Police and witnesses said a plainclothes constable of Fatullah Police Station Azad and Fatullah Truck Workers Union organising secretary Aminul were going to Fatullah by a three-wheeler and locked in an altercation over seats.

At one stage, Aminul hit the policeman on the head leaving him injured. Sensing trouble, on duty traffic police detained Aminul while the vehicle reached Panchabati. Hearing the news of the arrest, fellow workers went berserk, the sources added.

ST Alamgir, general secretary of the union, said the workers took to the street following arrest of their fellow worker.

Mohibul Islam Khan, additional superintended of police, said the workers blocked the road and threw brick chips at police while police dispersed them with blank fire.

The injured persons were given treatment at local hospital and clinic.