One killed in Nayapaltan police-BNP clash

A man was killed in a clash between police and BNP men in front of the party's Nayapaltan central office in capital Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon.

The deceased was identified as Makbul Hossain, 40, but it could not be confirmed whether he was BNP activist.

Makbul was injured in the clash that began around 2:30 pm and lasted for an hour.

Later, he was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where the on-duty doctors declared him dead.

However, 20 people who received injuries in the incident were, so far, admitted to DMCH but their identities could not be known immediately.

Witnesses said BNP leaders and activists started gathering in front of the party office this morning and a huge crowd was seen this afternoon.

The clash ensued when police lobbed tear shells and rubber bullets to remove BNP men from there.

BNP men equipped with sticks also chased police. Later, they brought processions in phases and torched tires on the road in front of the party office.

Several BNP men, cops, and journalists were injured in the clash.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi claimed more than 100 leaders and activists of the party were hurt in the police firing and most of them are bullet-hit injured.

Joint Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Mehedi Hasan, however, alleged BNP men aggressively attacked police at Nayapaltan and tried to create a 'ring of terror' in the entire area.

DMP has taken action to keep the law and order situation normal, he added.

Earlier around 12 noon, police deployed armour vehicle, prison van, and additional striking forces in Nayapaltan area.

KH/SU