25 hurt as two JP factions fight in Rangpur

RANGPUR, Sept 20:    At least 25 people were injured in a clash between two groups of Jatiya Party (JP) in Rangpur city today (Saturday).
The clash took place between expelled JP leader and State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Moshiur Rahman Ranga group and the newly-formed district and city unit committee leaders around 12:30 pm.
Earlier on Friday night, the district administration imposed section 144 in Rangpur Public Library ground and its adjacent area as two rival factions of JP called programmes at the same venue and time.
Violating the section 144, the agitated leaders and activists of JP also vandalised several shops in the area.
Police and witnesses said several hundred activists of the newly-formed district and city committee of JP brought out a procession from College Road area in the city. When the procession reached Shapla intersection, the supporters of Ranga hurled brick chips at their rivals, prompting them to retaliate.
Several crude bombs were exploded during the clash. The two factions chased each other and locked in a clash that left at least 25 people including journalists and supporters from both sides injured. Being informed, police rushed to the spot and charged batons to bring the situation under control.