At least 25 injured in clash centring attack on Salim's residence in Rupganj

A violent clash broke out at the residence of online gambling kingpin Salim Prodhan in Narayanganj, leaving 25 injured, with at least six sporting bullet wounds.

According to locals, Salim, the owner of Bismillah wholesale market in Rupganj's Saoghat area in Narayanganj has been locked in a feud with the lessee Majibur.

Photo: Collected

Around 11:30am, Majibur's supporters launched an attack on Salim Pradhan's residence, escalating into a violent clash between the two groups.

The attackers also set fire to 10 motorcycles, a private car, and an office at Salim's property.

Firefighters later brought the blaze under control.

Locals said a human chain protest was organised by followers of Salim Pradhan yesterday, demanding an end to extortion allegedly carried out by the followers of former Awami League lawmaker Golam Dastagir Gazi.

Salim's followers claimed that extortion at the wholesale market continued even after 5 August. However, the human chain primarily served as a show of strength by his followers.

Since this morning, tension has been rising in the Saoghat area. Sensing a potential attack, Salim's followers gathered at his residence.

Around 11:30am, Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Swechhasebak Dal, a BNP-affiliated party, carried out a protest rally against terrorism led by the party's Joint Convenor Rafiqul Islam.

As the rally approached Salim's house, a violent clash erupted, with both sides accusing the other of initiating the attack. Gunfire and cocktail explosions turned the Saoghat area into a battlefield.

Speaking to The Business Standard, Salim Pradhan said, "Rafiqul Islam is an associate of market leaseholder Majibur. I knew they would attack my house under the guise of an anti-terrorism rally.

"I informed the authorities beforehand. You have seen what happened next. Even during the Awami League's tenure, Gazi's people maintained control of the market, and now they have attacked my house," he added.

Photo: Collected

However, Rafiqul's followers alleged that Masudur Rahman, former vice-president of the district Jatiotabadi Chatradal, and his supporters were stationed at Selim Pradhan's residence and initiated the attack on their rally. This angered locals, leading to the incident.

Denying the allegations Masudur Rahman said, "I wasn't present at the scene. However, I heard that my people were attacked, and many were injured by gunfire."

"Upon receiving reports of the clash, the upazila administration, police, and army arrived at the scene. Those responsible for the incident will be identified and appropriate action will be taken after investigation," Rupganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saiful Islam told The Business Standard.

Assistant Police Superintendent (ASP) Mehedi Islam said, "The clash erupted over a wholesale market dispute, and police and army personnel intervened to bring the situation under control.

We have received reports of gunshot injuries.

"Efforts are underway to arrest those involved in the violence," the ASP added.