One killed, several hurt as violence erupts in city

FE Report One person was killed and several others were injured in violent clashes between policemen and hundreds of opposition party activists who gathered to honour the country's freedom fighters in the city Sunday. A number of handmade bombs were also exploded at different city points including Naya Paltan, Shahbagh, Motijheel and Shantinagar in the morning while several vehicles were torched by the protesters. Witnesses said two people -- Arifuzzaman Arif (25) and a restaurant owner Janagir Alam (35) -- were critically wounded after a powerful cocktail went off at about 9:30am in the city's commercial hub Motijheel, causing panic among the office-goers. The victims were rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) where doctors declared Arif dead. He was a trainee motor driver and a resident of North Goran. Assistant Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) bomb disposal unit Sanowar Hossain said that preliminary investigation found that the deceased himself was carrying the bomb. He said the explosive exploded in the victim's hand after he tumbled down while crossing the road divider. But family members of the deceased rejected the claim, saying that somebody is trying to gain out of his death. Irene Sultana, younger sister of Arif, told the reporters at the DMCH that her brother was not involved in any political parties. "He was driving leguna, one kind of vehicle on Gulisthan-Mugdapara Road," she added. Citing forensic report, Dr Hossain Mahmud of DMCH said Arif died of explosion as splinters hit the young man. The clashes first broke out at about 5:45am at Segunbagicha when law enforcers obstructed opposition leaders and activists coming from different districts to join a BNP programme to celebrate 40 years of the country's independence. The clash gradually spread across the city. Chase and counter-chase took place during the clashes. Being resisted by the policemen, the Opposition activists became unruly and started damaging passing vehicles at various intersections in the capital, prompting the law enforcers to fire tear gas shells and use water canons to disperse them. The protesters alleged that the policemen suddenly swooped on them while they were peacefully moving towards the venue at Engineers Institution, Bangladesh (IEB) where a programme to honour the freedom fighters was due to be held.