Kushtia, Aug 16 (V7N)- A clash broke out between supporters of Kushtia-3 MP Amir Hamza and leaders and activists of the Gana Odhikar Parishad in Kushtia city on Saturday (August 15), with both sides accusing each other of provoking the incident.
Jamaat leaders alleged that 8 to 10 people were injured and that MP Amir Hamza's vehicle was vandalised during the confrontation. Leaders of the Gana Odhikar Parishad, however, blamed the MP's supporters for the incident and alleged that their district office and several business establishments were later vandalised.
The incident began in the afternoon at the city's Six Roads intersection, where Gana Odhikar Parishad leaders and activists had gathered for a protest rally against alleged derogatory remarks made about the organisation two days earlier.
According to witnesses and the parties involved, tension arose when Amir Hamza's motorcade passed the area following another programme. The situation subsequently escalated into a clash.
Amir Hamza's supporters alleged that Gana Odhikar Parishad activists had taken up a pre-planned position at the intersection. They also claimed that threats of an attack had previously been circulated on Facebook.
They further alleged that Gana Odhikar Parishad activists attacked and vandalised Amir Hamza's vehicle while police personnel were present at the scene.
Gana Odhikar Parishad leaders rejected the allegations, claiming that Amir Hamza's supporters entered their peaceful protest and created a disturbance.
Later in the evening, the organisation alleged that Jamaat leaders and activists attacked and vandalised its district office and other business establishments.
Abdul Khalek, general secretary of the Kushtia district Gana Odhikar Parishad, said the protest was organised in response to Amir Hamza's alleged negative comments about the organisation. He claimed that Jamaat leaders and activists arrived at the protest in a pre-planned manner and created a disturbance before later vandalising and looting his office.
Police were present during the confrontation and attempted to bring the situation under control.
Additional Superintendent of Police Faisal Mahmud said police personnel were at the scene and tried to calm both sides. He said further legal action would be taken against those involved after discussions with senior officials.
Both the Gana Odhikar Parishad and Jamaat have reportedly said they will file cases over the alleged attacks and vandalism.
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