AL, BNP activists clash during Ishraque’s campaign

Supporters of BNP mayoral candidate for Dhaka South City Corporation Ishraque Hossain and followers of an Awami League nominated councilor candidate locked in clash during campaigning in Dhaka’s Wari area this afternoon.

The clash that continued for over half an hour left at least 15 persons, including two journalists, injured.

Ishraque blamed the ruling party activists, saying the attack was made to ruin the election atmosphere, whereas AL supporters said their rivals were shouting instigating slogans against them. 

BNP nominated mayoral candidate for Dhaka South City Corporation Ishraque Hossain and his supporters come under attack in Gopibagh area while campaigning on Sunday, January 26, 2020. Photo: Collected

Witnesses said the clash ensued minutes after Ishraque was leading a campaign near Central Women’s College around 1pm.

A procession of supporters of AL nominated councilor candidate Rokon Uddin Ahmed took position on a nearby road when Ishraque was arriving.

Both sides started shouting slogans, creating tension. At one stage, they started hurling brick chips at each other, leading to a violent clash, they said.

BNP nominated mayoral candidate for Dhaka South City Corporation Ishraque Hossain and his supporters come under attack in Gopibagh area while campaigning on Sunday, January 26, 2020. Photo: Collected

Several rounds of gunshots were heard during the clash. After about half an hour, police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.

At least 10 persons took treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital for minor injuries after the clash, hospital sources said.

Shah Iftekher Ahmed, deputy commissioner of Wari Division police, said they recovered seven used cartridges from the spot after they dispersed both sides.

None was arrested in this connection at the time of filing the report at 6:30pm.