Despite imposition of Section 144, clash between BNP factions in Bangladesh, 22 people injured

Dhaka: On Wednesday, a violent clash broke out between two factions of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Shyamnagar Upazila of Satkhira district of Bangladesh. The incident occurred after authorities imposed Section 144 in the area, Dhaka Tribune reported. At least 22 people, including police and security personnel, were injured in the clash.

According to Dhaka Tribune, the clash broke out in Ismailpur area of ​​Shyamnagar after tensions between the two groups escalated. The clash followed the organization of a rally by leaders of the newly formed Shyamnagar BNP committee, prompting members of the dissolved committee to step in to stop the event. Fearing further violence, the upazila administration imposed Section 144 in the area.

22 people were injured

However, when the procession led by former upazila BNP acting general secretary Solaiman Kabir was moving towards Shyamnagar city. Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Roni Khatoon and Assistant Commissioner (Lands) Abdullah Al Rifat attempted to intervene with the help of police and security personnel, but the violence continued, resulting in 22 people being injured.

Accused of inciting violence

According to the Dhaka Tribune, the injured included Shyamnagar police station officer-in-charge Humayun Kabir, security personnel Saiful Islam and several BNP workers. Soleiman Kabir claimed that his supporters were attacked on 19 and 20 January, leading to his protest march. He accused the dissolved committee leaders along with Awami League workers of attacking his group, injuring several people. Kabir also accused district BNP member secretary Abdul Aleem of instigating violence and declared him “undesirable” in the upazila.

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Meanwhile, according to the Dhaka Tribune, the dissolved committee's joint general secretary Ashik-e-Ilahi Munna alleged that Suleman and his supporters were trying to disrupt the 31-point meeting organized by the Chhatra Dal (student wing) of the BNP in Shyamnagar . Munna claimed that under the direction of district BNP convenor Iftikhar Ali, Suleman and his group attacked his house with the help of Awami League supporters. Bhang upazila BNP committee president Abdul Waheed demanded investigation and justice into the clashes.

(with agency input)