9 injured in clash between two BNP groups in Fatikchhari over invitation dispute

Local correspondent

At least nine people from both sides were seriously injured in a clash between two BNP factions over not being invited to the annual meeting of a madrasa in Fatikchhari, Chittagong.

The clash took place in front of the BGB camp mosque in Heyako Sarkarpara, Fatikchhari, on Saturday, January 24, at noon.

Eyewitnesses said that a verbal altercation broke out between local Jubo Dal activist Kabir, madrasa president Md. Hannan and social activist Tajul Islam over not being invited to the award ceremony of the independent Ebtedayi Madrasa in Heyako Sarkar Para. At one point, both sides got into a fight over local weapons.

A total of 9 people, including Sarkar Para community leader Tajul Islam (45), his brother Shahidullah (50), his son Nurul Islam (26), Bappi (25), Kabir’s brothers Wasim and Humayun, and a woman, were injured in the clash.

The injured were initially given primary treatment at Heyako General Hospital. Later, when their condition deteriorated, they were sent to Chittagong Medical College and Hospital.

Even after the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and police reached the spot after the incident, it was not possible to bring the situation under control, which can be called a failure of the administration.

The injured Tajul Islam complained, “Kabir and his brothers hacked me to death on the pretext of not inviting me to the madrasa meeting.”

However, Kabir counter-alleged, saying, “Tajul Islam and his men have planned an attack on us. I have been targeted for protesting the drug trade.”

Nurul Amin Azad, former convener of Bhujpur Thana Jubo Dal, said, “This unwanted incident happened because of not being invited. Such violence before the elections is tarnishing the image of the party.”

Bhujpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Bipul Chandra Dey said that after receiving information about the fight between the two parties over the invitation, the police quickly reached the spot but initially it was not possible to bring the situation under control. No written action has been taken so far. No complaint has been received. Legal action will be taken if a complaint is received.