2 killed as Munshiganj turns into battleground

The super market area of Munshiganj district town turned into a battleground on Sunday (August 4) amid clashes linked to the anti-discrimination student movement. 

Two people were killed during the violent confrontations in the morning. 

The identities of the victims, believed to be between 21 and 25 years old, were not immediately known. 

Munshiganj General Hospital supervisor Abu Hena Jamal confirmed that the bodies of two youths who had been shot were brought to the hospital around 11:00am. 

Clashes erupted in the super market area starting from 10:00am, with ongoing skirmishes reported. At least 10 people have been injured so far, though the number could rise. The injured have been taken to Munshiganj General Hospital for treatment. 

The violence began when protesters, rallying against the killing of students and other demands, were confronted by Awami League activists who had gathered at the same location as part of a central party programme. 

Tensions escalated around 10:00am when the protesters, including students and anti-discrimination activists, marched from the Krishi Bank premises. 

The situation deteriorated quickly as party workers chased the protesters, who responded by throwing bricks, leading to a full-blown conflict. The situation intensified with reports of cocktail explosions and gunfire, turning the super market area and Krishi Bank square into a warzone. 

By 11:00am, at least 10 people had been shot in the crossfire between the two groups. Police attempted to control the escalating violence by firing tear gas shells, but the situation remained volatile. Tires were set ablaze, and fires were seen burning on the roads as the protests continued to rage.

Arafat Rayhan Sakib/NMA