Noakhali : A BNP activist was killed and over 50 people including police men were injured, eight by bullets, in a clash at Choumuhani in Begumganj upazila on Wednesday.

The dead was identified as BNP activist Rubel, 25.

Witnesses said the clash ensued in the afternoon when police intercepted a procession brought out by the 20-party combine near the Choumuhani rail gate. At one stage, police retreated after being chased by the processionists.

Later, police reinforcement rushed in and fired gunshots to disperse the processionists, leaving 50 injured, eight by bullets. Begumganj Moden thana OC (investigation) Jasimuddin, Choumuhani police outpost in-charge Jisan Ahmed and TSI Saiful Sikder are among the injured.

The injured were admitted to different hospitals. Rubel died at Noakhali Sadar Hospital in the evening.

Meanwhile, hospital RMO Fariduddin said a bullet-hit youth succumbed in the evening. But he did not know whether he was a BNP activist

A tense situation has been prevailing in the area. Additional police have been deployed to avert further violence.

Earlier at noon, at least five people including BNP activists were injured by bullets during a clash with police in the district town.

Police also detained four people in this connection.

LY