At least 15 BNP leaders and activists were injured, including two with gunshot wounds, in an attack carried out by Awami League men in Cumilla yesterday.
Local Swechchhasebak Dal leader Monir Hossain and Jubo Dal leader Firoz Ahmed were shot during the attack, said Mafizul Islam Khandaker, member secretary of Belghar union BNP.
They were admitted to Comilla Medical College Hospital, he said, adding that doctors said they were out of danger.
The clash ensued at Goyarbhanga Bazar in Belghar North Union around 2:00pm when AL and Jubo League men brought out a procession, at which time the BNP was also holding a committee meeting.
Witnesses said AL and Jubo League men led by upazila parishad Chairman Kamrul Hasan and upazila AL Organising Secretary Ayatullah attacked the BNP programme venue.
As tensions mounted, they traded gunfire, leaving over 15 BNP men injured.
BNP leaders alleged the house of local BNP leader Mofijul Islam in Undania village was vandalised and looted.
The party planned a committee meeting at Mofijul's house with BNP leader Manirul Haque Chowdhury as chief guest.
However, AL rejected the allegations and blamed BNP men for attacking their peaceful rally.
Moreover, Upazila AL President Kamrul Hasan claimed at least 10 of their men were injured.
