Teenager shot in Savar during shootout between BNP factions over control of jhut business

A 16-year-old boy was shot during a shootout between two factions of the BNP over the control of jhut (ready-made garment waste) business in Savar on Sunday (9 February).

The teenager, identified as Kaptan Mia, was shot in the back around 3pm near Jamgara Chowrasta area in Ashulia of Savar. Kaptan, who works at a local herb shop, was rushed to Ashulia Women and Children Hospital for treatment.  

"A teenager named Kaptan was brought to our hospital with a gunshot wound to his back. He is currently undergoing treatment," said HM Asaf Uddaula Rizvi, assistant manager of the hospital.  

Another person was also allegedly injured after being hit by a brick during the clash.

According to locals, Bakul Bhuiyan, vice president of Ashulia Thana Tati Dal, a BNP-affiliated organisation, has long been involved in the jhut business with Pretty Composite Textile, a company under Pretty Group in Jamgara.  

Recently, Sharif Chowdhury, a former Chhatra Dal leader, has been attempting to take control of the factory's jhut business, leading to rising tensions.  

Eyewitnesses and local sources said Sunday's clash broke out when Bakul Bhuiyan's men were transporting jhut from the factory. Men known as followers of Sharif Chowdhury intercepted the truck, opened fire, and attempted to seize it. 

A violent confrontation erupted between the two groups, with multiple rounds of gunfire exchanged. However, it was not confirmed exactly who fired the shots.

Police and local sources suggest that while Bakul Bhuiyan had an agreement with the factory, the business was actually controlled by his son, Rony Bhuiyan, a local Jubo League leader. Rony's men were reportedly present during the clash.

Md Shahinur Kabir, additional superintendent of Police (Savar Circle), told TBS: "As far as we know, while Rony Bhuiyan and his men were transporting jhut, a clash broke out between them and Sharif Chowdhury's followers. One person was shot. The police are investigating, and legal action is being taken against those involved."  

Speaking to TBS, Bakul alleged that Sharif's men ambushed his people as they were transporting jhut from Pretty Composite Textile.  

"After I informed the police, they helped my men leave with the jhut. But when the truck reached near Sharif's house, gunfire was fired from the rooftop, and at one point, they set the truck on fire."

He further claimed two of his men, including a labourer named Manju, were shot in the attack.

When asked about his son Rony's alleged involvement, Bakul responded said, "Rony has not been in the area for the past month."

TBS could not reach Sharif Chowdhury for comments. 

Attempts to reach BNP's deputy secretary for family welfare, Salahuddin Babu, former MP of Dhaka-19 under which Savar-Ashulia belt falls, multiple times over phone were unsuccessful. 

Rakibul, deputy general manager of Pretty Composite Textile, confirmed hearing about the clash near the factory. "No incident occurred inside the factory premises. However, we have a contract with Bakul Bhuiyan for the jhut produced here."