Clash erupts between Jatiya Party and Gono Odhikar Parishad in Kakrail

Activists of the Jatiya Party and Gono Odhikar Parishad clashed in Kakrail when a protest march of the latter passed by the former's central office.

The incident took place around 6:30 pm on Friday during a demonstration organised by Gono Odhikar to demand a "ban on the Awami League’s political activities".

The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus in May this year banned all activities of the former ruling party headed by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted last year in a mass uprising.

The situation turned into stone-throwing between the two groups, which continued for several minutes before police and Army personnel brought it under control.

Gono Odhikar Parishad claims their procession was attacked from behind by the Jatiya Party.

Conversely, the Jatiya Party alleges that their headquarters was attacked by the protesters.

Abu Hanif, a senior leader of Gono Odhikar Parishad’s higher council, said in a statement that their rally was part of a scheduled evening protest.

He claimed that around 6:30 pm at Paltan intersection, the rear section of their procession came under attack.

According to Hanif, 200 to 300 people took part in the assault near the Jatiya Party office, and alleged that Awami League and Jubo League members were also involved.

He said the clash began after Gono Odhikar activists and supporters attempted to resist the attack.

Nurul Haque Nur, president of Gono Odhikar Parishad, and Rashed Khan, the group’s general secretary, were present at the march.

Rashed was reportedly injured in the incident, according to a post on his verified Facebook page.

In response to the “attack”, Gono Odhikar Parishad has announced a torchlight procession in protest.

Meanwhile, Khandaker Delowar Jalali, press secretary to the Jatiya Party chairman, described the incident as a “terror attack” on the party’s central office.

He said a press conference would be held at 8:30 pm at the party headquarters to address the matter.

Atikul Alam Khondoker, inspector of Ramna Police Station, confirmed he was present at the scene. He said police received reports of stone-throwing between the two groups around 6:15 pm.

“Police and Army personnel are at the location, and the situation is under control,” he added.