At least eight people were injured, five of them seriously, in a violent clash between two local factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Pabna’s Chatmohar upazila on Thursday night. The conflict reportedly over establishing local dominance took place at the Haripur Bazar.
According to local sources, tensions had been brewing for several days between factions led by Haripur Union BNP's former general secretary Sirajul Islam and the Union Jubo Dal’s former president Bablur Rahman.
Bablur Rahman alleged that his group was holding a meeting at the local BNP office to organize against extortion and drug peddling when Sirajul’s supporters launched an unprovoked attack. "Sirajul's faction is involved in these illegal activities and cannot tolerate our protests. They attacked our peaceful meeting," Bablur claimed.
Among the severely injured are Bablur Rahman, Union Krishak Dal General Secretary Mizanur Rahman, Ward-4 BNP Vice-President Abdul Majid and Union Chhatra Dal President Rahat Hossain. They are currently receiving treatment at health complexes in Chatmohar and Baraigram.
Denying the allegations, Sirajul Islam stated he was not present at the market during the clash. "The accusations against me are completely baseless. It was a dispute among local party workers over past grievances and I have no involvement," he said.
Chatmohar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Aliur Rahman confirmed the incident. "Police visited the scene and spoke with the victims. We have advised them to lodge a formal written complaint. Legal action will be taken following a proper investigation," the OC stated.
