Khulna rally: BNP men fear attacks on way back home

After attending the rally in Khulna, BNP leaders and activists are now apprehending attacks from activists of Awami League and its associate organisations, on their way back home. 

The BNP rally began at around 1:00pm today (October 22, 2022). According to local sources, Awami League leaders and workers have allegedly taken position in 31 wards, while Jubo League leaders and activists have taken position at different  intersections of the city. They were also seen staging showdown in some areas, witnesses say. There have also been allegations of Jubo League leaders beating up BNP activists. 

Delwar Hossain, who came from Gangni in Meherpur with a group of 22 people, told The Daily Star, "It will be night when I start leaving the rally. I didn't get a bus when I arrived here. Now, I am hearing that armed leaders and activists of Awami League have taken positions at different places. I'm afraid whether I'll be able to return home alive."

"Awami League leaders in our area also know that we have come to the rally. They also targeted us there," he added. 

Meanwhile, a clash broke out between police and BNP leaders and activists in Khulna railway station area around 12 noon. At least three BNP leaders and activists were allegedly injured in the attack on the streets of Goalkhali area of the city. 

Mizanur Rahman Milton, a member of BNP's executive council, said, "BNP leaders and activists were attacked at different places and more than 100 leaders and activists have been injured."