A rumour over the alleged death of a detainee triggered an attack on Agailjhara Police Station in Barishal today, leaving five police personnel and at least six others injured, according to police and local sources.

The incident occurred around 4:00pm, prompting authorities to deploy additional forces to bring the situation under control.

Police said Riaz Fakir, 26, of Fullashree village, was arrested on Wednesday evening in a theft case and had multiple charges against him, including over narcotics. While in custody, he allegedly struck his own head repeatedly and later fell ill. He was taken to Agailjhara Upazila Health Complex around 11:00pm that day and then referred to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital.

This afternoon, rumours spread that Riaz had died in custody, sparking anger among locals. More than a hundred people marched to the police station and allegedly attacked it. Assistant Sub-Inspector Abdul Halim, after incurring serious injury, was admitted to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital.

Local sources said Riaz's mother Nasrin Begum, 50; his sister Sharmin Akter, 28; their relative Momtaz Begum, 47, and at least three others were also injured as police charged batons to disperse the crowd. Some of them were admitted to Agailjhara Upazila Health Complex, while others received treatment elsewhere.

Riaz's parents alleged police had assaulted him after detention, but police denied the claim, saying CCTV footage showed Riaz injuring himself inside the lock-up.

Agailjhara Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Masud Khan said the rumour was deliberately spread, leading to the attack.

Barishal Superintendent of Police AZM Mostafizur Rahman said CCTV footage showed the detainee hitting his own head inside the lock-up, adding that one of the injured policemen was in critical condition.