Dhaka, February 24 (HS): A youth was killed and several others were injured in a clash between Air Force personnel and locals in Cox's Bazar city over eviction attempts for airport expansion in Bangladesh.

According to the Dhaka Tribune, the clash took place at around 12 noon on Monday in Samiti Para under Cox's Bazar Municipality. The deceased has been identified as Shihab Kabir Nahid, 30-year-old son of local businessman Nasiruddin. The injured have not been identified yet. Police and administrative officials are confirming the clash but are refraining from giving full details of the incident.

Cox's Bazar District Sadar Hospital Police Outpost Incharge Saifullah Islam has admitted that one person died in the clash and five others are undergoing treatment. According to Mujahidul Islam, a resident of Samiti Para, a pre-scheduled meeting was to be held between Air Force officials and local representatives at the District Administration Office this afternoon for land acquisition. At around 12 noon, a man named Mohammad Zahid and some other people were going to the District Administration Office in a vehicle. Their vehicle was stopped at the Air Force checkpost near Diabetic Point. It is reported that the Air Force personnel took Zahid off the vehicle. An argument started over this. The soldiers tried to take him into custody. During this time more people reached and protested. During this, a clash started. During the clash, the Air Force personnel started firing to disperse the crowd. At least 15 people were injured in the firing. Some of the injured were taken to Cox's Bazar District Sadar Hospital, where one was declared dead. Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salauddin said that necessary action would be taken after discussions with both sides. Meanwhile, Inter-Services Public Relations claimed that a group of miscreants from Samity Para attacked the Cox's Bazar Air Force Base. The Bangladesh Air Force is taking necessary steps in response.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar