Clash on Sk Russel’s birthday injures 5

At least five teenaged boys received injuries following a factional clash between two groups of Sheikh Russel Jatiya Shishu-Kishore Parishad (RJSKP) at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum premises in capital's Dhanmondhi area on Saturday afternoon.

According to witnesses, two were rushed to the hospital while three unidentified others took first aid from local clinics. The two victims - Abdul Malek (19) of Mohammadpur and Uzzal Hossain (18) of Tejgaon were sent to the hospital with serious injuries in throat and head during a series of chase-counter-chase.

Both the rival groups used lethal weapons and threw plastic chairs targeting each other creating a panic at the Dhanmondhi 32 number.

Police and senior leaders of the association, however, brought the situation under control after about half an hour.

Later, addressing in her chief guest's speech on the occasion, AL Presidium Member Motia Chowdhury alleged a section of miscreants are responsible for committing the untoward incident.

"In order to give opportunity to our political opponent and create panic among audience, such vandalism was done in a preplanned way," she added.

Meanwhile, as the bilateral dialogue on July 3 between Caretaker Government and Awami League ended without any tangible outcome; both sides are likely to sit again tomorrow (Monday).

Talking to The Bangladesh Today, AL Presidium Member Begum Motia Chowdhury said, "There is a possibility of holding such talks with the representatives of the Emergency Government on Monday and it's yet to be finalised."

Asked about the agenda in the ensuing meeting with the Chief Adviser, she said, "AL is set to take firm stand for full lifting of Emergency Power Rules before polls, ensure unconditional and permanent release of Party President Sheikh Hasina, amendment of the some clauses of the Representation of the People Order (RPO) Ordinance and ensuring the participation of all parties in the polls.

According to party sources, a-nine member AL delegation led by acting AL President Zillur Rahman would take part in the dialogue.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Awami League will organise countrywide protest meetings today demanding withdrawal of cases against the Party President Sheikh Hasina and her permanent release.

To make today's (Sunday) programme successful in the capital, Dhaka City unit of AL held its emergency extended meeting at the party' Headquarter at the Bangabandhu Avenue with acting city unit President MA Aziz in the chair.

Leaders of the meeting vowed to resist the conspiracy to foil the upcoming general election slated for December 18.

AL leaders were very critical about the controversial role with regards to allow militant force Harkatul Jihad for doing their politics across the country.

About removing the 'Lanon Sculpture' from the Zia International Airport, they said, "Through such activity, the incumbent government virtually surrendered to fundamentalist forces," they added urging them (Govt) to play an impartial role in running the state.

Central AL would hold a protest meeting at Engineers' Institution in the capital at 3pm today.