At least five people were injured in an attack on those protesting the arrest of baul singer Abul Sarker in Khulna town on Wednesday afternoon.
The incident occurred at Shibari intersection, where members of the Gonotantrik Chhatra Jote had gathered with banners demanding the release of baul singer Abul Sarker and denouncing recent attacks on religious shrines.
Eyewitnesses and police said tensions escalated as student leaders from the Chhatra Union, Biplobi Jubo Maitree, and Biplobi Chhatra Maitree prepared to march.
During the confrontation, some locals reportedly snatched a banner away from the protesters and set it on fire.
The injured included Sajib Khan, general secretary of the district Chhatra Union; Mehedi Hasan Rony, convener of the Metropolitan Biplobi Chhatra Maitree; and member Yasir Hamid.
All received first aid at the scene.
Khulna Police Commissioner Zulfikar Ali Haider said the unrest occurred when protesters marched demanding the release of baul singer Abul Sarker, whom local residents accused of hurting religious sentiments.
“Residents asked them to leave, which led to pushing and shoving. No major attack took place,” he added.
