NATORE: At least 25 people, including former state minister Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu and a journalist, were injured when police charged baton on a protest procession of BNP in the district town Sunday.

Nine BNP activists were also held from the scene as they pelted the law enforcers with brickbats in retaliation for the clubbing.

As part of the party’s central programme, the district BNP staged a demonstration at the WAPDA Colony ground in the morning and later brought out a protest procession at about 11am, BNP leader Aminul Haque and witnesses said.  

But, police first intercepted the procession, led by former minister Dulu, near the power office and then near NS Govt College.

“When the procession tried to burst through the police barriers, the law enforcers charged baton on them,” says a spot report.

Dulu and some other activists were injured in the beatings.
NTV district correspondent Halim Khan was also injured during the melee.

The demonstrators then went berserk and retaliated by throwing missiles of brickbats at the law enforcers, amid a chase-and counter-chase street rioting.
 
The troubles calmed as police reinforcements rushed in the area at about 12:30am.

Injured district BNP general secretary Emdadul Hoque Al Mamun and activists Masum, Firoz, Rana, Rubel, Helal and Uzzal, district Chhatra Dal general secretary Rabiur Rahman Titon and Dewan Shahin were given first aid.
 
Assistant Police Super (ASP) of Natore Apel Mashmud told banglanews24.com.bd that five policemen, including himself, sustained injuries from the brick chips thrown by the BNP activists.

He said nine BNP activists were held from the scene.

BDST 15:17 hrs June 20, 2010
Corr/RS/MUA