The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

At least ten BNP activists were injured as police swung into action on them in front of the party central office at Naya Paltan yesterday.

The riot police suddenly attacked the BNP workers as they gathered in front of the party office just before the arrival of its chairperson Khaleda Zia at about 4pm and started clubbing them to clear the way for her to enter the party office after a long time, injuring the 10 BNP men.

The injured were taken to different city clinics.

Hearing Khaleda's release, thousands of BNP supporters started gathering in front of the party central office since noon in a festive mood. They danced, chanted slogans and waved national and party flags as they waited there to have a glimpse of their beloved leader Khaleda Zia. A severe traffic jam was created from Kakrail to Naya Paltan areas, causing sufferings to commuters in hot and humid weather.

Meanwhile, the BNP workers roughed up four supporters of former state minister for Education Ehsanul Haque Milon, a pro-reformist leader, at Bijoy Sarani crossing at about 12:00, branding them as collaborators of the present government.

Later, police rescued them from the wrath of the BNP activists.