Rajshahi Shibir leader killed in clash with cops

Police in action as BNP, Jamaat, Shibir men (not in picture) hurl cocktails targeting them during a clash in Rajshahi this afternoon. Photo: STAR

A Shibir leader was killed and 12 people including seven policemen were injured as BNP, Jamaat and Shibir activists clashed with police at Kajla area in Rajshahi city this afternoon.

Hailed from Dasmaria area Rashedul Islam, 30, was treasurer of Motihar thana unit of Shibir, said Inspector Uttam Kumar, in-charge of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital police box.

Seven policemen, including Proloy Sisim, deputy commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police, and Abdun Nur, assistant police commissioner, sustained wounds from cocktail blast.

They were treated at Police Lines hospital, said Abdus Subhan, officer-in-charge of Motihar Police Station, who also was injured.

Besides, four Shibir activists also sustained bullet injuries.

Leaders and activists of BNP, Jamaat and Shibir brought out a procession at Kajla in the city around 5:00pm, Nur said.

They also attempted to vandalise a bus crossing there.

As police resisted them from vandalising, the processionists hurled around 15 cocktails targeting them, the police official added.

In retaliation, police fired several teargas canisters, over 100 rounds from their shotguns.

Rapid Action Battalion members immediately joined police and also opened fire during the 20-minute clash.

Mahbubur Rahman, commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police, confirmed the death.

He however said law enforcers did not use any weapons that can claim lives.