At least 20 people were injured in a clash between leaders and activists of the Awami League and BNP today.
The clash took place while the BNP was holding demonstrations as part of the party's central programme and the AL was holding its peace rally.
The injured have been admitted to various hospitals in Natore city, reports our local correspondent.
According to eyewitnesses and locals, BNP leaders and activists went to observe a protest rally at Pirganj Bazar of Natore Sadar upazila earlier in the morning. Meanwhile, AL leaders and activists started gathering there. At one stage, a clash broke out between the two parties.
At least 20 leaders and activists of Madhnagar union and Piprul union BNP, including upazila BNP general secretary Shakhawat Hossain, were injured in the clash.
Abul Kalam, officer-in-charge of Naldanga Police Station, told that there was no attack on the BNP's protest rally. No one was injured. However, there has been tension and scuffle between the two parties.
Asked about the clash, Natore BNP leader and Rajshahi divisional organising secretary Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu said, "We were holding the rally peacefully. Awami League leaders and activists attacked BNP men there."
However, former Natore Awami League general secretary and member of parliament for Natore-2 constituency Shafiqul Islam Shimu said a Chattra League leader was attacked by BNP men first.
