10 hurt in JP factional clash in Ctg

Rival factions of Ershad's Jatiya Party testing their strength. The clash ensued as two factions tried to hold rally at the same venue at the same time in Chittagong yesterday, marking the party's 20th founding anniversary. PHOTO: STAR

The clash between factions led by Solaiman Sheith and Tapan Chakrabarty took place over holding rallies at the same venue -- Old Railway Station premises-- in the afternoon.

The rallies were planned to mark the 20th founding anniversary of the party.

Party sources and witnesses said the Solaiman Sheith group occupied the Old Railway Station premises earlier and did not allow their rivals there. The Tapan group gathered at nearby New Railway Station premises. They were carrying lethal weapons and were waiting for rivals to pass through the road in front of the venue, witnesses said.

After their rally, the Solaiman group brought out a procession. When they were passing, activists belonging to Tapan group swooped on them from behind with lethal weapons, resulting in a clash, the witnesses said.