 At least one person was killed and 60 others were injured in clashes between police and supporters from rival political groups in Dhaka yesterday, sources said. Most of the injuries occurred when supporters of the opposition Jatiya Party, led by former President Hossain Mohammad Ershad, stormed a rally of Bangladesh Communist Party, witnesses said.
| "Arrrrr! Kill the commies!... Ow!" |
The attackers burned books and furniture, and roughed up communist supporters before police arrived and chased away angry crowds, witnesses said. Jatiya supporters also attacked and damaged a number of vehicles, including buses, he added. As panic spread to nearby streets, a speeding bus knocked down a man, killing him on the spot, police said. The victim was a Jatiya supporter.
"Run away! Run away!"
"Hey! Look out for that..."
[VROOM! SPLAT!]
"... bus." |
As supporters of the rival parties fought with bricks and bamboo sticks, and burned several buses and cars in the busy office district, hundreds of vehicles were blocked in the area and office workers fled in panic. Shops and cafes also closed their doors.
| "Quick, Fatimah! Hide your jewelry!... Hey! You! Leggo of her!" |
More than 60 people were injured in the melee. Riot police and firefighters broke up the fighting after about an hour. At least 18 seriously injured people, including party activists and bystanders, were taken to nearby Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
| ... and a wonderful time was had by all, except for the dead guy and the guys on life support. |
Both parties accused the other of instigating the clash.
"They started it!"
"Did not!"
"Did, too!" |
The Jatiya Party was celebrating its 20th anniversary yesterday, while the communist party staged the rally to protest imperialism and price hikes, party sources said. Jatiya Party has a few seats in the Parliament, while the Communist Party has none. The communists have been an ally of the main opposition party, the Awami League, during its campaign to force out Prime Minister Khaleda Zia out, accusing her government of failing to control prices and harboring militants. |