22 injured as BNP factions clash in Faridpur

At least 22 people were injured in a clash between rival BNP factions in Faridpur's Bhanga this morning (2 February). 

According to police and locals, violence erupted in Khairdia village of Gharua union between the supporters of Anwar Hossain, general secretary of the local BNP unit, and Karim Mollah, president of the Krishak Dal's Ward-8 unit, reportedly over establishing supremacy in the area.  

Tensions had been simmering since a farmers' rally on 25 January, where a procession organised by Karim Mollah's group was obstructed by Anwar's supporters.  

Anwar's group staged a showdown this morning and allegedly proceeded towards Karim's house.

Meanwhile, Karim Mollah's supporters obstructed them, prompting a clash.

Bhanga Police Station OC Mokchedur Rahman confirmed the incident, stating that police were deployed to the area.

He said legal action would be taken upon receipt of a formal complaint.

On the other hand, tensions mounted between residents of Ballabhdi and Jadunandi unions of Saltha upazlia following a dispute between students at Fulbaria School.  

Saltha Police Station OC Md Ataur Rahman said the initial altercation, reportedly triggered by a disagreement over taking photos during a sports event yesterday, escalated quickly, drawing in residents from both unions.  

An estimated 10,000 people had gathered with weapons, preparing for a major confrontation this morning.  

However, a joint effort by the police and the army helped calm the situation, preventing any further violence, said the OC.