The ruling Awami League has summoned Selina Hayat Ivy and Shamim Osman, as the supporters of the two key leaders of the party in Narayanganj fought a pitched-battle that left over 100 people injured on Tuesday.
"I have talked to the Prime Minister on the issue. The two leaders have been summoned. It is an internal matter of the party and we will settle it internally," AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader told a press conference on Wednesday at the Dhanmondi office of the party President Sheikh Hasina. He, however, did not provide details when Ivy, the mayor of Narayanganj City Corporation and Shamim Osman, a lawmaker from Narayanganj, have to appear in Dhaka.
The fierce street battle took place in Narayanganj's Chashara over the eviction of street vendors. Ivy earlier declared that the footpaths must be cleared through evicting the street vendors if necessary. However, Shamim Osman had opposed the decision stating that if evicted the street vendors will lose their livelihood. As a result confrontation took place when Ivy on Tuesday led to evict the street vendors. Ivy blamed Shamim Osman for the attack which Shamim denied.
Meanwhile, Ivy at a press conference on Wednesday said she would take legal action on the attack that was provoked by Shamim Osman. "I am ready to get hurt. But I do not expect my supporters to get hurt," she said.
On the other hand, Shamim Osman denied his role in the attack. The incident was not a feud between Ivy and Shamim, it was a matter of livelihood of the street vendors, he said. In the press briefing, Obaidul Quader said, "I asked the Home Minister to take action against the men who are involved in the reprehensible incident. He informed me that investigation into the incident is going on and none who tarnished the image of the party in broad day light will be spared." He stated that the Home Minister will also sit with Ivy and Shamim Osman.
In the confrontation, more than 100 people, mostly members of the ruling party, were injured. In the clashes, Jubo League leader and businessman Niazul was seen brandishing a pistol, and Ivy claimed that Niazul fired at the supporters of Ivy. However, Shamim Osman demanded a probe.
Meanwhile, Narayanganj district administration has formed a three-member probe committee led by an additional police superintendent.
