Infighting foils Ctg north BCL council, 15 hurt

A factional scuffle foiled the council of north unit of Chittagong district Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) today, injuring at least 15 leaders and activists.

The scuffle ensued during council session at Engineers Institute in Chittagong around 1:00pm after a hand-made bomb exploded there, reports our local staff correspondent.

During the explosion, Engr Mosharraf Hossain, Awami League’s presidium member and chief guest, and Chhatra League’s central General Secretary Zakir Hossain were present.

Factional clash foils the council of north unit of Chittagong city Bangladesh Chhatra League on Tuesday, February 27, 2018. Photo: Rajib Raihan

After the explosion, chaos overtook the entire council session and chairs were hurled.

Jashim Uddin, officer-in-charge of Chittagong city Kotwali Police Station, endorsed the facts to The Daily Star and added that about 15-20 activists were injured at scene.

The council session was called off amid the chaos.

When contacted, SM Jakir Hossain, general secretary of central BCL committee, said, “We have concluded the session successfully amid the chaos”.

"BCL leaders and activists will shortly start the second session of the council at the Zila Parishad auditorium where they will give their opinions. Based on the opinions, the names of next leadership will be announced later,” he said.

The BCL general secretary was present at the first session. 

Abu Tayeb, general secretary of the prevailing Chittagong north district unit, blamed outsiders, especially Jamaat and Shibir intruders, for the unprecedented chaos in the session.