10 injured as BNP factions clash over dispute centering on Bijoy Mela in Ctg
On the other hand, Quader Chowdhury’s supporter Saber Sultan, vice president of Ctg Jubodal, said, “We saw that several supporters of the autocratic Awami League have joined the BNP in that rally and procession. For this reason, they have been removed [by us].”
At least 10 people were injured in a clash between two factions of the BNP in Raozan upazila of Chattogram over disagreements surrounding the Bijoy Mela or victory fair on Friday (6 December) afternoon.
The incident occurred in front of the Upazila Parishad Office at around 3:30pm, Chattogram Police's Additional Superintendent Muhammad Russel told The Business Standard.
"Two factions of BNP in Raozan have been at odds over the Bijoy Mela. This led to a scuffle during a protest march and rally in the afternoon. Police intervened and normalised the situation. The area is now calm," he said.
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Among the injured are Raozan Jubo Dal Convener Rahim Uddin, members Shakil Hossain, Muhammad Ripon, Muhammad Alamgir, Muhammad Robi, Municipal Jubodal member Abdus Salam, and Muhammad Rakib. All injured individuals were taken to the Upazila Health Complex for treatment.
They were later released after providing primary treatment, according to police.
According to eyewitnesses and police, the clash reportedly involved supporters of BNP Vice-Chairman Gias Uddin Quader Chowdhury and North District BNP Convener Golam Akbar Khandaker.
Eyewitnesses reported that the conflict stemmed from disagreements over the month-long Bijoy Mela scheduled to begin on December 5 at the Raozan Government College grounds. The inauguration was delayed due to internal disputes between the two groups.
On Friday afternoon, supporters of Golam Akbar Khandaker led by Upazila BNP Convener Muhammad Jasim Uddin organised a protest march and rally demanding the fair's inauguration.
Getting news of the protest, supporters of Gias Uddin Quader Chowdhury attempted to intervene, leading to a violent clash between the groups, they said.
The Business Standard could not reach the BNP leaders immediately for their comments on the matter.
However, quoting Golam Akbar's supporter Rahim Uddin, Prothom Alo reported that as the followers of Golam Akbar gathered for the rally, several hundred people came riding motorcycles and attacked them.
On the other hand, Quader Chowdhury's supporter Saber Sultan, vice president of Ctg Jubodal, said, "We saw that several supporters of the autocratic Awami League have joined the BNP in that rally and procession. For this reason, they have been removed [by us]."
