Narsingdi Correspondent

A court in Narsingdi has rejected the bail of Raipura Police Station's sabotage case accused and Raipura Union Parishad Chairman Md. Faruk Hossain Ali and sent him to jail on Monday.

Fifteen BNP leaders and activists were injured in clashes when supporters protested and formed a human chain after news of his being sent to jail spread. On Tuesday (August 18), a clash broke out between BNP leaders and activists in front of the chairman's house on Tuesday afternoon.

Several motorcycles were vandalized during the incident. In addition, there were allegations of a cocktail explosion at the house of Raipura Union BNP General Secretary Al Mamun Bhuiyan. Police have detained four people for questioning in this incident.

The injured are: Former general secretary of Raipura Government College Amir Hossain (42), upazila Jubo Dal member Russell Bhuiyan (37), upazila Chhatra Dal leader Saiful Islam Palash (28), upazila Zia Manch general secretary Deen Islam (40), Jahangir Molla (35), Raipura Upazila BNP joint convener Farid Uddin Md. Farid Uddin (57), Pabel Mia (32), Asaduzzaman (47), Monir Sarkar (40), Asad Mia (40), Mithu Khandaker (32), Aman Mia (29), Shahadat (32), Nohan Ahmed (18) and Shahin (28).

Two of them have been admitted to the Upazila Hospital and one has been sent to Dhaka. The rest have received primary treatment.

Locals said that men and women supporters of Chairman Faruk Hossain formed a human chain in front of the Raipura Union Parishad. At that time, when some leaders and activists of Raipura Upazila BNP went there, they had an argument with the people forming the human chain. When the situation became heated, the police went to the spot and brought the situation under control. Later, when the BNP leaders and activists went to the house of Chairman Faruk Hossain on motorcycles, they were chased and clashed with the chairman's supporters. At that time, there were allegations that some motorcycles were vandalized and some people were beaten and injured. Later, the police went to the spot and brought the situation under control.

Raipura Union BNP General Secretary Al Mamun Bhuiyan alleged, "After the court sent Farooq Chairman to jail, his followers formed a human chain at Hasimpur Bazar. At that time, we were at the Union BNP office. Later, I received news that a cocktail explosion had taken place at my house. After the party leaders arrived from Raipura Sadar, they were also ambushed."

Raipura Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Md. Masud Rana said, "Upon receiving the news of the clash, the police and administration inspected the house of Chairman Faruk Hossain and the house of the general secretary of the Union BNP. There were attacks at the gate and inside the gate of the chairman's house. While passing the chairman's house, the motorcycle convoy was attacked with sticks and bricks. Several people were injured in this.

Raipura Police Station Police Inspector (Investigation) TM Faridul Alam said, "After Farooq Chairman was sent to jail, his followers tried to form a human chain. When BNP leaders went to Mamudpur area to discuss the matter, the chairman's followers attacked them. Four people have been detained for questioning in this incident. Further legal action will be taken if allegations are found."