At least 50 people, including two police and two Ansar members were injured during clashes between law enforcers and local Awami League, Chhatra League leaders outside the Sadar UNO office in Barishal last night.
Following the clashes, road and river transports between Barishal and rest of the country remained halted till 11 this morning, the time of filing this report. Police and Rapid Action Battalion forces were deployed at important parts of Barishal city. CNB Road was blocked with garbage trucks of the city corporation.
Twenty-eight of the injured, who are mainly members of local Bangladesh Chhatra League, Jubo League and Awami League, were admitted to Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, the hospital's emergency department.
Two police members were also admitted at SBMCH. The injured Ansar members are taking treatment at other healthcare facility.
Police arrested several persons including Barishal Awami League Joint General Secretary Hasan Shahriar Babu, in connection with the clashes, said Police Commissioner Md Shahabuddin Khan.
Around 10 employees of Barishal City Corporation's "eviction team" -- responsible for removing banners and posters -- including cleaning crew members went to the UNO office and residence to remove National Mourning Day banners by BCC around 9:30pm last night.
"They took offence when I asked them to come in the morning to remove the banners," said Barishal Sadar UNO Munibur Rahman.
A team of 60-70 men including local Awami League and Chhatra League leaders and activists went there around 10:30pm and entered the residence without permission and started hurling abuse, the UNO alleged.
They also broke the gate of the residence, he added.
"Ansar members fired shots during this time to ensure my safety," UNO Munibur said.
The clash took place in several rounds, said eye-witnesses. Barishal City Al President Advocate AKM Jahangir also visited the place during clashes.
"We did what was needed to move the mob away," said Additional Police Commissioner Md Enamul Haque who was on the spot.
Police Commissioner Md Shahabuddin Khan said the incident was unexpected and sad.
"Law and order situation deteriorated here. Whoever is responsible will face action," he added.
BCC Mayor Serniabat Sadik Abdullah alleged that he went to the spot to bring the situation under control but Ansar members fired shots at him.
"I want an investigation into this incident. Of course, I will take legal action in this connection," he told journalists this morning.
