A Correspondent, Rangpur:

Four Awami League and Jubo League activists were killed in a clash with protesters, Chhatra League, and Jubo League leaders and activists in Rangpur city on Sunday.

The deceased are Haradhan Roy, the general secretary of the Metropolitan Pasuram Thana Awami League and City Corporation councillor, Jubo League activist Khosru Bari of Gurati Para in Rangpur city and Masum, 31. The details of the fourth deceased could not be confirmed yet.

Over 100 individuals, including eight journalists, were injured in the violence. Nine people with serious injuries were admitted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital.

In related violence, the houses of Rangpur-2 MP Duke Chowdhury, Mayor Tutul Chowdhury, Upazila Jubo League leader and Upazila Chairman Fazle Rabbi Sweet, and Jubo League leader Pulin Chowdhury were set ablaze and looted in Badarganj Upazila Sadar.

Several government offices, including the Mithapukur Upazila UNO office and former MP Ashikur Rahman’s house, were vandalized.

The Pirgacha Upazila Awami League office was set on fire in front of the Press Club, and 11 motorcycles were burnt.

Earlier in the morning, protesting students gathered at the town hall square of Rangpur city, while Chhatra League and Jubo League leaders and activists took a position in the Ship Company area.

Around 11am, both sides began throwing bricks and mortars, leading to a chase and eventual clash that spread over about one kilometre from City Bazaar to the Ship Company area. Local weapons, including pistols, were reportedly used. The clash continued until 2pm.

During the clash, Ekushey TV’s camera person Ali Hyder Roni, NTV camera person Arman, and eight journalists were severely beaten and injured. Injured journalists reported being targeted when identified as media personnel.

Hundreds of students and leaders from Chhatra League and Jubo League were injured in the two-hour clash, with nine admitted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital in critical condition. No law enforcement, including the police, was seen during the clashes.

Meanwhile, Justice KM Zahid Sarwar and Justice Md Showkat Ali Chowdhury, led by Justice Khandaker Diliruzzaman, chairman of the judicial inquiry committee investigating the death of seven students, including Abu Sayed, who were shot by the police, were scheduled to arrive in Rangpur at 12pm on Sunday.

However, their trip was postponed due to security reasons, confirmed Rangpur Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Habibul Hasan Rume.