Clash over water supply leaves 40 injured

Dhaka, May 5 (UNI) A clash over water supply ensued between police and protestors today, injuring about 40 people, including an MP and 10 policemen.

The demonstrators put barricades on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway in Demra police station area this morning. Ruling BNP lawmaker Salahuddin Ahmed was injured during the clash after he allegedly ordered police to open fire on the agitating people.

The people on the outskirts of the city have been suffering for last three months owing to shortage of water.

Police came to the spot along with Mr Ahmed to remove the barricades. As the MP allegedly directed police to fire on the agitating people, they became furious and clashed with police and forced them to retreat.

Police undertook a baton-charge and used around 20 rounds of teargas shells and water cannon to disperse the agitators, but failed to remove them from the road. The angry people set ablaze a shop during the protest.

Fifteen of the injured were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and other clinics.

The agitating public declared to continue their movement until supply of water is ensured and the MP seeks apology for his directive to police to open fire on the protesters.

The road barricade disrupted traffic movement on Dhaka-Chittagong highway for six hrs till 0130 hrs (local time), buses, trucks and other vehicles stranded on both sides of the highway.

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