A police constable was beaten to death by Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir activists on Sunday in Jhenaidah during the first of two-day countrywide shutdown.

Police said several thousand Jamaat-Shibir men brought out a procession in support of the 48-hour hartal at about 11:30 am and attacked all government offices located on the upazila headquarters premises. On information, police and Ansar and VDP members rushed to the spot and swung into action to bring the situation under control, triggering the clash that left constable Omar dead on the spot and six people injured. The Jamaat-Shibir men also vandalised 15-20 motorcycles during the mayhem.

Harinakundu Police Station Officer-in-Charge Rezaul Karim said at least 50 people including 10 policemen were injured during a clash between Jamaat men and law keepers.

The deceased constable Omar Faruk, 50, was on duty at Harinakundu Police Station.

Police say, 6 among the injured police men including an ASI were taken to Upazila Health Complex.

OC Karim said shutdown supporters attacked Upazilla Health Complex in a procession at 11am.

“Omar Faruk died on the spot as Jamaat and Shibir men attacked on police with stick and rod when police challenged them. Four other policemen were injured.”

He said members of Border Guard Bangladesh were patrolling the area.