One killed in Gulistan in AL internal clash after party's peace rally

A man was hacked to death and four others were injured after two factions of the ruling Awami League locked in a clash while returning after taking part from today's "peace rally".

"The supporters of Awami League presidium member and former food minister Kamrul Islam and Keraniganj upazila chairman Shaheen Ahmed locked in a clash this evening," a police official told The Business Standard on condition of anonymity.

Confirming the news of the death, Dhaka Medical College Hospital outpost in-charge Bacchu Mia said the identity of the deceased could not be known yet. 

The injured -- Md Ariful 18, Md Jobair 18, Md Roni 32, Md Mobashwer (18) -- are undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Those who accompanied the injured to DMCH stated that the two factions got into a scuffle right at the rally.

Saikat Hasan Biplab, who introduced himself as the joint convener of Keraniganj Model Thana Jubo League, arrived at DMCH with Roni, who is currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

Biplab said, "We are supporters of South Keraniganj Thana Awami League President Shaheen Ahmed. We participated in Awami League's peace rally at Baitul Mukarram Mosque area along with our leaders and activists.

After the rally, we headed towards Keraniganj. However, when we reached the west side of Golap Shah Mazar in Gulistan, supporters of Awami League leader Kamrul Islam chased us from behind. They attacked us indiscriminately with sharp weapons, resulting in injuries."

Deputy Commissioner DMP Motijheel Division Hayatul Islam Khan said a clash erupted between two groups of Awami League in Gulistan injuring four people. 

"I heard that one person was killed in the clash," he added.