Clashes between SAD, ‘July Fighters’ leave 10 injured in Lakshmipur after Section 144 defied

At least 10 people, including police personnel, were injured in clashes between supporters of the Student Against Discrimination (SAD) and an organisation named ‘July Fighters’ in Lakshmipur after Section 144 was defied this afternoon (5 April).

The clashes took place in the Chawk Bazar area of the municipality, centring on rival programmes announced by two groups.

Confirming the incident, Lakshmipur Sadar Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Wahed Parvez said the situation arose after one group violated Section 144 by bringing out a procession.

“Police acted with utmost professionalism to control the situation,” he said, adding that additional police have been deployed at key points in the town.

According to administrative sources, tensions began last night (4 April) when an altercation broke out between Habibur Rahman Fahim of SAD and Akbar Hossain Munna of July Fighters on Hospital Road, leaving both injured.

In protest, both groups announced separate rallies at the same time and location, outside Chawk Bazar Mosque, this afternoon (5 April), raising fears of a clash. To maintain law and order, the administration imposed Section 144 under the Code of Criminal Procedure, banning all gatherings, processions, and meetings in the municipal area.

Despite the restriction, SAD activists held a procession around 5pm, led by its district organiser, Saiful Islam Murad.

Witnesses said members of the July Fighters launched an attack, triggering a chase and counter-chase and brick-throwing between the two sides.

The situation quickly escalated, forcing shopkeepers to shut their businesses and take shelter, witnesses said. Police intervened with baton charges to bring the situation under control.

Several police personnel were injured in the process, along with at least five pedestrians, police said. The injured were taken to Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital for treatment.