A clash broke out at the GEC intersection area in Chattogram during a concert over slogans allegedly raised in the name of “Sheikh Hasina” and “Joy Bangla.” Police resorted to baton charges and fired rounds from a shotgun to control the situation. At least one person was injured, and several were arrested.
The incident occurred on Saturday (October 11) around 7:30 pm in front of the GEC Convention Hall. The injured has been identified as Md. Sharif (23), son of Shafiqul Rahman from Debarpara, Khulshi.
According to a local source, the clash began when slogans were raised in support of the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the concert. However, police denied that any such slogans were raised, saying some unruly youths at the event engaged in vandalism, prompting police action.
An eyewitness said the band Artcell performed two songs before indicating they could not continue further. A few minutes before the Maghrib Azan, some youths in front of the concert reportedly raised slogans in favour of Sheikh Hasina and Joy Bangla. This led to clashes with local BNP leaders and activists present at the event, and subsequently, some individuals caused vandalism inside the GEC Convention Hall.
Repeated attempts to contact Inspector Nazrul Islam of Khulshi Police Station for comment were unsuccessful.
Shreema Chakma, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) of Chattogram Metropolitan Police, citing the Officer-in-Charge of Khulshi Police Station, said the event at the GEC Convention Hall, organised by Honda, included a concert for which proper permission had not been obtained. Some youths engaged in vandalism, prompting police to intervene with baton charges and eight rounds fired from a shotgun.
She added that she did not have information on whether anyone had been injured by police gunfire. There are two types of shotgun rounds—one causing more damage than the other. The rounds used at the scene were of the less harmful type. Several individuals were arrested.
Sub-Inspector Nurul Alam Asheq, in-charge of the Chattogram Medical College (CMCH) hospital outpost, confirmed that Sharif had been seriously injured in the shooting and was admitted to the hospital. He was sent to ward number 2 for treatment.