20 injured in Gono Odhikar-Jamaat clash in Kushtia, MP Amir Hamza’s car vandalized

Clashes, along with chases and counter-chases, took place between the activists of Gono Odhikar Parishad and Jamaat-e-Islami at the Chhoy Rastar Mor in Kushtia city. During the incident, the vehicle of Kushtia-3 Member of Parliament Amir Hamza was vandalized. At least 20 people from both sides were reportedly injured in the skirmish.

The first phase of the clash occurred around 6pm, followed by a second phase during the Maghrib call to prayer on Saturday (August 15). As tension spread across the area following the incidents, additional police forces were deployed.

Eyewitnesses reported that around 5:30pm, local activists began a protest rally at Chhoy Rastar Mor against remarks made by MP Amir Hamza regarding Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur. From the rally, a 12-hour ultimatum was issued for Amir Hamza to apologize for his comments.

As the rally was concluding, Amir Hamza was returning home via that road under police protocol. When his motorcade reached Chhoy Rastar Mor, tension flared between Amir Hamza's supporters and the Gono Odhikar Parishad activists who were already gathered there.

Eyewitnesses Shariful Islam and Rakib Hasan stated that as the motorcade approached the rally site, several individuals stepped out of a vehicle carrying sticks. Pushing and shoving soon ensued between the two groups, which eventually escalated into chases, counter-chases, and brick-throwing.

The confrontation between the two sides continued in several phases for nearly an hour. It was during this time that MP Amir Hamza's vehicle was vandalized.

Local resident Russel mentioned that although the situation calmed down somewhat after the first phase of the clash, people gathered again later. He claimed that during the Maghrib call to prayer, several individuals armed with sticks marched toward the Gono Odhikar Parishad office and carried out an attack.

Upon receiving the information, police rushed to the scene under the leadership of Kushtia District Police's Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Ops) Faisal Mahmud and brought the situation under control.

Abdul Khalek, general secretary of the Kushtia district unit of Gono Odhikar Parishad, alleged that they were holding a peaceful protest rally organized solely to protest Amir Hamza's remarks about Nurul Haque Nur.

He stated that the MP's motorcade arrived during the closing remarks. At that time, a few Jamaat activists approached them, made provocative comments, and subsequently launched an attack.

However, Amir Hamza's spokesperson, Nazmul Hossain, denied the allegation. He stated that Gono Odhikar Parishad activists carried out a surprise attack on the MP's vehicle. He added that in addition to the vandalization of the car, 10 to 12 of their men were injured in the incident.

Kushtia Additional Superintendent of Police Faisal Mahmud said that police had been deployed at Chhoy Rastar Mor since the afternoon. A scuffle broke out between the two groups after the MP's motorcade reached the area, but police swiftly intervened to bring the situation under control.

He further added that the situation is currently normal, and the scene remains fully under police control.