Jubo League-BCL clash over control of bus terminal

Three people, including the president of Ward No 7 unit of Jubo League under Kuakata municipality, were injured in a clash between the activists of Jubo League and Chhatra League over control of the local bus stand yesterday.

The injured are Anwar Hossain, 32, president of Jubo League Ward No 7 unit, his father Asmat ALi, 60, and Nur Sayeed, vice-president of Jubo League Kuakata municipality unit.

They were admitted to Kalapara Upazila Health Complex and later shifted to Patuakhali General Hospital as their condition deteriorated.

Locals and police said the clash took place when 20-25 people led by Mojibur Rahman, president of BCL Kuakata municipality unit, went to take control of the bus stand at Chourasta area (Kuakata Zero Point) at around 11:00am.

Another group led by Anwar Hossain, president of Jubo League Ward No 7 unit, swooped on Anwar and his men, prompting them to retaliate.

During the clash, several hundred shops and other establishments shut down and tourists and locals desperately sought shelter. Asmat Ali was injured when he went to save his son Anwar Hossain.

Being informed, police from Kuakata naval outpost and Kalapara Police Station rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.

Abdul Bareq Mollah, mayor of Kuakata municiaplity, said "I have asked the local Awami League leaders not to create trouble at the bus stand."

GM Shah Newaz, officer-in-charge of Kalapara Police Station, said police have been deployed in the area to avert further untoward incident.