In a major crackdown police yesterday detained over 300 BNP leaders and activists, including six central leaders, following a clash in front of the party’s Nayapaltan headquarters.

Leaders and activists of the ruling Awami League have started to take position in different areas of the capital, in the name of “vigilant guard”, ahead of the BNP’s December 10 rally.

The Nayapaltan area this afternoon turned into a battleground as violence left one killed and at least 30 others injured. Here are some glimpses of the incidents through the lens of our senior photographer Amran Hossain.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today said BNP men attacked police in the capital’s Nayapaltan today.

The US has expressed concern about reports of intimidation, political violence, police harassment, arrests of opposition party members and restrictions on the ability of the opposition parties to meet and hold peaceful rallies..“We call on the government to respect and to protect the funda

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said that the clash at Nayapaltan area is a conspiracy to foil the scheduled rally on December 10.

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed, Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie, Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas and Amanullah Aman were among over 200 BNP men held by law enforcers after the Nayapaltan clash today, claimed the party.

A man was killed and at least 30 others were injured after a clash erupted between police and BNP men in front of the party's central office in the capital's Nayapaltan this afternoon.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan today said the government will take legal action if anyone tries to destabilise the country in the name of holding political programmes.

The BNP today said that if the party is denied permission to hold its December-10 rally at Nayapaltan in the capital, the government must offer an alternative venue acceptable to the party.

Awami League leaders and activists have been pouring into Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium in Cox's Bazar where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will address a party rally today.

Fearing sabotage ahead of the BNP's Dhaka rally on December 10, law enforcers have beefed up security at all entry points and other key locations in the capital.

Chhatra League leaders and activists are expecting that the organistion will have a new leadership that will be able to restore its past glory and work to realise Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s dream of building a “Smart Bangladesh”.

Ishaq Islam, president of a union unit of pro-BNP Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, and 300 others blocked Narayanganj Ring Road on November 20, blasted crude bombs, and vandalised vehicles, according to a case filed against them.

The re-polling in Gaibandha-5 constituency will be held on January 4, the Election Commission announced yesterday.

The venue for BNP’s December 10 rally could not be decided at last night’s meeting between the party leaders and Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said the party’s rally will surely be held in Dhaka and urged people not to be confused about it.

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said the problems over fixing the venue of BNP's rally on December 10 in the capital will be resolved soon.

Bangladesh Chhatra League's new committee will be formed following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's directives, said Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader.

Information Minister Hasan Mahmud today said the people of the country will decide who will be in power, and that diplomats can't put anyone in power.