Several people were injured when leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami allegedly came under attack during a protest procession against extortion and illegal occupation in Dhaka's Gulistan on Saturday, according to the party.

Police, however, gave a different account, saying they had no information about any organised attack and that only a brief scuffle had occurred.

The incident took place beneath the Fulbaria Flyover around 5:00pm.

Abdus Sattar Sumon, assistant publicity secretary of Jamaat's Dhaka Metropolitan South unit, alleged that local BNP activists, along with activists of the Awami League -- whose activities remain banned -- attacked the procession with knives, iron rods and sticks while Jamaat leaders, activists and traders were gathering for the demonstration.

He alleged that BNP activists had long been involved in extortion and illegal occupation in Gulistan area and had recently taken control of Nagar Plaza Market after vandalising CCTV cameras and removing computers.

"Local Jamaat leaders and activists organised the procession in protest against extortion and illegal occupation following requests from traders. As traders gathered in front of the BRTC counter at Fulbaria, BNP leaders and activists attacked them," Sumon said.

According to him, 15 to 20 traders and Jamaat activists were injured in the attack. He said three of the injured were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital with stab wounds.

Local BNP leaders could not immediately be reached for comment.

Police, however, disputed the party's account.

Contacted, Bangshal Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) AKM Mahfuzul Haque said a five-member committee, headed by a cooperative (samabay) officer, had recently been formed to oversee the market, and most of its members were backed by Jamaat.

"After the committee took over responsibility for the market, they started spreading propaganda that the market had been illegally occupied," the OC said.

He said around 20 to 25 Jamaat supporters had gathered at the spot, possibly for a meeting, which police believed may have been an attempt to establish control over the market.

"BNP supporters were vigilant and present in the area, numbering around 200. When the two groups came face to face, BNP supporters began chanting slogans against the Awami League. At one stage, a brief scuffle occurred between the two sides," he said.

The OC said one Jamaat activist sustained minor injuries during the altercation but denied allegations of stabbings or multiple casualties.

"We have not received any information about any serious injuries," he said.