Clashes erupt in front of JaPa office in Kakrail

Tensions flared outside the Jatiya Party (JaPa) office in Kakrail, Dhaka, on Friday evening, as rival groups engaged in stone-throwing and violent confrontations.

According to JaPa leaders and activists, members of the Gono Odhikar Parishad attacked them during a procession. However, Gono Odhikar Parishad leaders denied the accusation, claiming that JaPa activists provoked the violence by hurling stones first while they were conducting their own procession.

The clashes broke out around 6:15 pm. Initial reports do not confirm the exact number of injured individuals.

Law enforcement agencies, including the police and military personnel, quickly responded and arrived at the scene in large numbers to restore order.

Atik Al Alam Khondokar, Inspector (Operations) of Ramna Police Station, informed that, “Stone-throwing occurred between the two groups around 6:15 pm. We are present at the site and will provide further details soon.”

The Jatiya Party, founded by former military ruler Hussain Muhammad Ershad, has been a prominent political player, participating in all elections during the Awami League’s tenure, despite controversies. Uniquely, Japa has simultaneously served as the opposition in parliament while also holding ministerial positions in the government.

Several political groups, including Gono Odhikar Parishad, accuse JaPa of supporting the Awami League’s rule and legitimizing what they term a fascist regime. These groups have called for banning the activities of both the Awami League and the Jatiya Party.