Cases filed for AL, BNP clash over Barrister Mainul’s hearing

About 150 BNP activists have been accused in two police cases for Sunday’s clash between Awami League and BNP activists—following the hearing of Barrister Mainul Hosein.

Those named in the cases include BNP’s former metropolitan unit general secretary Shamsuzzman Shamu, Jubo Dal President Mahafuzunnabi Don, and Organizing Secretary Noyon.

Ten BNP activists have already been arrested. “We are trying to apprehend the others accused,” said Rangpur Metropolitan Police’s Assistant Commissioner Altaf Hossain.

Shamu criticized the police’s move. “Awami League activists attacked the vehicle carrying Barrister Mainul, threw rotten eggs and shoes at him. Nothing is being done against them but police filed two cases against us!” he said.

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However, Rangpur metropolitan Awami League unit’s leader Tushar Kanti Mondol claimed BNP activists, armed with rifles and large knives, had exploded improvised bombs on the court premises and attacked the ruling party’s men.

BNP activists had started a protest march in the courtyard, on Sunday, when Mainul was being returned from his hearing. Awami League activists led a procession, in response, and the two sides clashed. 

Crude bombs were exploded and police fired tear-gas shells, flash grenades, and blank shots to disperse the crowd. At least 15 people were injured.

Mainul’s bail plea was rejected by a Rangpur court on Sunday. He was, arrested in a defamation case on October 22 for calling journalist Masuda Bhatti “characterless.”