3-day nationwide blockade2 BNP men killed in Kishoreganj

At least two BNP men reportedly were killed and several sustained injuries during a clash with police in Kishorganj on Tuesday, the first day of BNP-enforced nationwide blockade programme.

The victims were identified as Refayat Ullah, 20, vice-president of Chhaysuti union Chhatra Dal and Billal Mia, 30, president of Chhaysuti union unit Krishak Dal. Shamsuddin Didar, a staff of BNP chairperson media wing, confirmed.

The leaders and activists of the party brought out a procession in Chhaysuti bus stand area of Kuliarchar upazila on Dhaka-Sylhet highway in support of the nationwide blockade programme this morning.  

At one point, a clash took place between the BNP activists and the law enforcers, leaving the two dead and over 50 people sustained injuries, Didar said.

Kuliarchar upazila BNP president Nurul Millat said, "Police fired gunshots indiscriminately in our peaceful procession. Then Refayet and Billa were killed."

Billa's body is on the spot while Rifat's body was sent to Johurul Islam Medical College Hospital.

After the incident, superintendent of police Md Russel Sheikh visited the spot.

According to Kuliarchar Police Station OC Md Golam Mostafa, the protesters attacked on police members first, leaving 20 injured. Then, to take the situation under control, police fired gunshots.

"One died on the scene, we knew that. But it is not confirmed yet whether he died by bullet or any other reason."

BNP and its like-minded political parties enforced a three-day countrywide blockade of road, rail and waterways that began this morning to press home their demand for ouster of ruling government.