Several Moncho activists have been injured, one ‘Chhatra League leader’ detained
Ruling party-backed Bangladesh Chhatra League and Jubo League have allegedly attacked activists of Gonojagoron Moncho at the capital’s Shahbagh.
However, different statements have come up regarding this incident.
One Moncho activist sustained injuries to his head while several others were said to have been beaten up when the incident took place on Thursday night.
However, the central and campus units of Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student wing of Awami League, have denied involvement in the matter.
One organisation, Muktijoddha Sangshad Santan Command, said to have been affiliated with Moncho, on the other hand has provided a different version.
Meanwhile, police have denied to comment on this matter but have assured to take “necessary steps” if a complaint is filed in this regard.
What Imran H Sarker says
Moncho activists Hannan, Tanvir and Sanaton engaged in an altercation with former Moncho supporter Abir Ghosh and Shihir, affiliates of Chhatra League, over seating arrangement around 4pm.
“At one point, Abir and Shishir spilled hot water on the Moncho activists. Hannan, Tanvir and Sanaton called me. I advised them to talk to Shahbagh police.”
Chhatra League activists assaulted the three with canes inside Shahbagh police station in front of the officer-in-charge around 8pm.
BCL central Deputy Cultural Secretary Sheikh Afnan and Jubo League central leader Nasim Rupok were present at the scene, Imran claimed.
“Aronno Shakil sustained serious injuries to his head. Nobendro Saha Joy and Shakil were also gravely injured. They have been taken to BSMMU.”
Other injured Moncho activists were Ashikur Rahman Anu, Sagor, Adnan, Akash, Himel and Emon.
“Shahbagh police detained Abir Ghosh. But, they are refusing to lodge a case in this regard because of Chhatra League and Jubo League.”
According to Imran, the rivalry with Chhatra League initiated from an extortion demand on the night of March 25 over a stage construction, a day ahead of Moncho’s Independence Day celebrations.
What the other faction says
Muktijoddha Sangshad Santan Command Council President Mehedi Hasan claimed his organisation was involved with Gonojagoron Moncho for long.
“Imran H Sarker have been creating problems with the expenditure of previous programmes. We had a meeting in this regard in the afternoon.”
Imran said to have arrived with a hundred of his followers and attacked on Abir Ghosh and others, he said claiming to have been a witness on the spot.
Mehedi Hasan was preparing to lodge a case against Gonojagoron Moncho on behalf of Abir Ghosh during the time of filing this report.
Bangladesh Chhatra League President Badiuzzaman Sohag told the Dhaka Tribune he was not aware of this incident.
Chhatra League central Deputy Cultural Secretary Seikh Afnan denied his and his group’s involvement in the matter while speaking to the Dhaka Tribune.
Shahbagh police station Sub Inspector Ferdous Alam told the Dhaka Tribune one person was detained. “The two groups are trying to talk for a solution in presence of senior officials.”
Shahbagh police OC Serajul Islam said this was an internal clash of the Moncho. “Abir is an activist of the Moncho. It was a misunderstanding between them.”
“Allegations that we are refusing to take a case under pressure is not true.”
Ramna police Deputy Commissioner Maruf Hossain denied to comment on the matter but said “steps will be taken” if anyone files a complaint.
He advised to contact Shahbagh police when asked if the incident was a clash or attack.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
