The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Chuadanga

More than 50 people were injured as villagers clashed with BDR jawans at Jagannathpur in Damurhuda upazila yesterday.

BDR said a patrol team of Jibon Nagar border outpost chased a group of smugglers numbering about 15 when they entered into the village from across the border with smuggled goods at noon. The smugglers left behind goods, including phesidyl, bicycles and low-grade fertilizer.

Joining with the villagers the smugglers attacked the BDR team with sticks and pelted brickbats. BDR were reinforced from the outpost and the clash - chase and counter-case lasted more than an hour.

Angry villagers partially damaged a BDR vehicle. BDR fired ten warning gunshots to scare away the fighters.

Soon senior BDR officials rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.

Local BDR commander Lt. Colonel Sultan Ahmed said the untoward incident took place as the smugglers on chase mingled with the villagers and mislead them into the clash. They met with the UP chairman and village elders and settled the matter amicably.

BDR held Israfil, Asadul, Zafar and Safin from the spot during the clash. All but Safin were later set free.