Two banks torched in Jaldhaka

Another 20 people were injured in Saidpur in clashes between Awami League and BNP activists.

Two commercial banks and residences of some Awami League and Jamaat leaders were also burnt or damaged in attacks by rivals.

Section 144 was imposed in Jaldhaka and Saidpur towns.

Stick-wielding Jamaat workers from different areas gathered in front their office in Jaldhaka in the morning and brought out a militant procession in the small town at about 10:30 am.

Clash erupted as Awami League workers threw stones on the procession in reply to provocative slogans by Jamaat activists. Ten Jaamat workers were injured here.

In retaliation, Jamaat processionists attacked and burnt offices of upazila Awami League and its labour front Sainik League.

To retaliate, Awami League activists set fire to the local Islami Bank branch, claiming it to a Jamaat institution.

Jaamat men then burnt the house of upazila Awami League secretary Shaheed Hossain Rubel. They also torched the local Sonali Bank beside Rubel's house. The business centre of upazila Awami League president Ansar Ali Mintu was also set on fire and looted.

Awami League activists then set fire to the residence of upazila Jaamat secretary Abdul Gani.

The fire spread to nearby houses. Fire brigade vehicles from Nilphamari and Saidpur rushed to the spot and doused the fire. At lease 30 shops were looted there.

Police were deployed in Jaldhaka town but their number was too small to control the situation, police and witnesses said.

In Saidpur town, BNP and Awami League offices were burnt by rivals Saturday night .

The upazila administration imposed Section 144 Saidpur town but sporadic clashes between BNP and Awami League activists continued in different areas, witnesses said.

Three big business establishments were attacked at Saidpur bazar and goods worth at least Tk 60 lakh were looted, police and witnesses claimed.

Injured people were lying on the floor and corridor of Saidpur 50-bed hospital. Doctors said they found it difficult to tackle the onrush of injured people.