TDS Desk:

At least 10 people, including pedestrians and journalists, were injured when a human chain rally organized by one faction of the BNP protesting the obstruction of contracting work, attacks and vandalism was attacked by another faction in Noakhali.

The incident took place in front of Noakhali Press Club around 12:30pm on Wednesday.

At that time, the attackers targeted the media workers and started throwing brickbats at Noakhali Press Club. They also vandalized a passenger microbus on the road.

The protest was organized by BNP leader and contractor Abdul Karim Mukta to denounce alleged obstruction of his contracting activities, vandalism of his excavator, and assault on his workers.

Towards the end of the human chain, 20-25 individuals, allegedly led by Jewel, brother of Noakhali city BNP President Abu Naser, attacked the gathering with sticks and bricks.

The attackers reportedly targeted media personnel and hurled bricks at the Noakhali Press Club, damaging a passenger microbus parked nearby.

Abdul Karim Mukta said: “Supporters of Abu Naser attacked my workers on Tuesday, injuring them and damaging my excavator. When I organized the human chain to protest, they launched another attack and vandalized vehicles. I demand justice.”

Denying involvement, Abu Naser said: “I am unaware of any attack on contractors or the human chain. The assault on journalists is condemnable and unacceptable. I am investigating whether my brother was present.”

BNP Organizing Secretary Mahbubur Rahman Shamim expressed regret over the attack on journalists, saying: “If any of our party members are found involved, organizational action will be taken.”

Sudharam Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kamrul Islam could not be reached for comments.