Activists of Jubo league and Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) Palashbari upazila units clashed over toll collection from gambling sheds in a union under the upazila on Wednesday night, leaving at least 20 people from both sides injured.
Police and locals said a group of BCL activists went to Tekani area in Kishoregari Union on Tuesday night to collect toll from gambling sheds erected there. But Jubo League men prevented them from collecting toll and scuffled with BCL activists.
As a sequel to the incident, the Jubo League and BCL activists equipped with lethal weapons locked in a fierce clash at cross-road point on the Rangpur-Bogra highway at around 10:00pm on Wednesday.
Three buses and several shops were vandalised and vehicular movement on the highway remained suspended for two hours. Several hundred vehicles, including night coaches and goods-laden trucks, were stranded on both sides of the road until 12:30am.
Being informed, police rushed to the spot, dispersed the clashing groups and brought the situation under control. Police had to open 10 blank shots as they also came under attack during the clash, said Matiur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Palashbari Police Station.
Police filed a case yesterday morning against 22 Jubo League and BCL men for attack on them during Wednesday night's clash. Soon after filing of the case, they raided the area and arrested two of the accused.
The arrestees are BCL activist Lebu Mia Jubo League man Jenarul Haque. Police said they are looking for the rest of the accused.
Contacted, Mokshed Chowdhury Bidyut, Palashbari Upazila Parishad Chairman and also the organising secretary of Awami League upazila unit, said the upazila law and order committee will soon take necessary steps to stop gambling at different points in Kishorgari Union.
Source : The Daily Star
