BNP-Jamaat's Human Rights Day programmes marred by police obstruction, clashes

The nationwide human chain programmes organised by the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami to mark Human Rights Day on Sunday were marred by reports of police obstruction in several locations and clashes in Habiganj and Dhaka. This all resulted in injuries to dozens of individuals including policemen and journalists.

At least 50 people, including two journalists, were hurt in a clash between police and BNP men during the party's human chain programme at Sayestanagar in Habiganj district town.

The BNP also held a human chain event at Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka and it proceeded without any interference from the authorities.

However, BNP's human chain programmes in various districts including Narayanganj, Barishal, Bhola, and Faridpur encountered police obstructions.

Meanwhile, Jamaat's human chain in the capital's Jatrabari area was reportedly foiled by police.

Delwar Hossain, assistant secretary of Jamaat's Dhaka Metropolitan South chapter, told The Business Standard (TBS), "Police attacked our peaceful assembly by firing shots, tear shells and sound grenades and arrested as many as six activists. In addition, at least 20 people were injured in the police attack."

When contacted, officials at the Jatrabari police station refused to comment on the alleged firing of shots and arrests of Jamaat activists.

In a statement, Jamaat-e-Islami acting secretary general ATM Masum specifically accused the police of arresting 28 leaders and activists of the party, including three women, from Dinajpur, Barguna, and Natore. He described the arrests as violations of human rights by the police on Human Rights Day.

Habiganj clash 

While police obstruction marred BNP programmes in some districts, their event in Habiganj took a violent turn. Around 12:30 pm, a clash erupted, prompting police to use tear gas shells and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. This resulted in injuries on both sides.

Kamal Uddin Selim, the joint convener of the Habiganj district BNP unit, has accused police of attacking their peaceful programme in Sayestanagar. However, the police have refuted these claims, presenting a contrasting account of the events.

Habiganj Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ajay Chandra Dev said policemen acted in self-defence and fired shots after BNP activists attacked on-duty policemen. 

Some 10-12 police personnel were injured by the brick chips hurled by the BNP men, the OC said. 

BNP leader Kamal Uddin Selim said, "More than 100 of our leaders and activists were shot and sustained serious injuries, including gunshot wounds and fractures. Due to concerns about their safety, many have been receiving ongoing treatment at various private hospitals and clinics, opting not to be admitted to the government hospital."

Meanwhile, My TV's district correspondent Niranjan Goswami, 30 and Desh TV's district correspondent Ali Hamza, 30, were seriously injured in police firing.

Abu Yusuf, a physician of Habiganj 250-bed district hospital, told the media that the injured journalists received initial treatment at the hospital and later transferred to Dhaka for further care.

BNP, Jamaat call fresh blockade

The BNP has called for another round of blockades starting at 6am on Tuesday and ending at 6pm on Wednesday.

Announcing the blockade at a virtual press conference Sunday, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi also called programmes for 14 December to observe Intellectual Martyrs Day and hold black flag processions across the country.

Following the BNP's announcement, Jamaat also declared a blockade programme for Tuesday and Wednesday.