A violent clash broke out at a concert in Chattogram on Saturday night over the chanting of the “Joy Bangla” slogan, leaving one person shot and injured.
Police reported that the incident occurred around 8:30pm, with the injured, identified as Md Sharif (23), admitted to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH). The identity of those involved in the gunfire has not been confirmed.
A video on social media shows a group of youths trying to vandalise the main gate of the convention center. In response, law enforcement officers inside the venue fired shots to control the situation.
The concert was organised by a motorcycle manufacturing company, with the band ‘Artcell’ scheduled to perform. The event, which started in the evening, was disrupted as tensions between two groups escalated, leading to the concert’s cancellation and the outbreak of vandalism.
Md Naim, who brought Sharif to the hospital, stated that one group raised the “Joy Bangla” slogan, a chant reportedly associated with Chhatra League activists. This led to objections from Chhatra Dal members, sparking a heated argument between the two groups, which eventually resulted in police firing shots.
Sub-Inspector Alauddin Talukder of the hospital police outpost said, “The injured person and his companions are not providing clear information, making it difficult to determine the exact events of the incident.”
Chattogram city Chhatra Dal convener Saiful Alam visited the hospital and claimed that the conflict was sparked by the chanting of the Awami League’s slogan.
Nazrul Islam, the Officer-in-Charge of Khulshi Police Station’s investigation unit, clarified that while the Honda company’s workshop had permission, no authorisation was given for the concert. The incident occurred during the event.
Authorities are reportedly questioning officials from the organisation that arranged the concert at the police station.
