25 injured as AL men, cops ‘swoop on’ CPB rally

Local Awami League men and police allegedly assaulted 25 leaders and activists of the Communist Party of Bangladesh, who were demonstrating in Netrakona's Kalmakanda upazila yesterday over the price hike of essentials.

CPB Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince, Central Committee Member Dibalok Singh, local CPB leaders Nalinikanta Sarker and Mustaq Ahmed were among the injured, said Nalinikanta.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Contacted, Abdul Ahad Khan, officer-in-charge of Kalmakanda Police Station, said local Awami League supporters and the CPB activists and leaders were engaged in a clash when police intervened and brought the situation under control.

Nalinikanta said, "The activists of the ruling party suddenly attacked the rally. They vandalised the chairs and loud speakers. Police also reached the venue and beat up CPB men."

Of the injured, two activists were admitted to Durgapur Upazila Health Complex while others were given first aid.

Emdadul Haque Millat, president of CPB Mymensingh, condemned the attack and demanded immediate arrest of the attackers.

Chandan Biswas, president of Kalamkanda AL, said he knew nothing about the attack.

CPB later announced that it will demonstrate against attack across the country today.