BNP-Jamaat Clashes Turn Pabna Area Into Battleground; 50 Injured

Local Correspondent

In Pabna’s Atgharia, consecutive clashes between BNP and war criminal organization Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and activists erupted yesterday from noon till evening over nomination submissions for college guardian committee members. The area turned into a battleground as both sides openly engaged in armed confrontations, leaving at least 50 injured from both factions.

Nine critically injured individuals were hospitalized. The clashes also saw vandalism of both parties’ offices and at least 30 motorcycles, heightening tensions in the area.

Local sources report that the schedule for electing guardian committee members of Debottar Degree Honors College was announced days earlier. Thursday was the last day for nomination submissions. At noon, three BNP-backed guardians submitted their forms. Shortly after, when Jamaat supporters tried submitting a nomination for their candidate, BNP activists obstructed them.

Tensions escalated into verbal altercations and physical brawls, eventually leading to armed clashes between cadres of both groups.

As violence spread, Jamaat leaders and activists gathered at Debottar Bazar, staging protest marches and attacking the BNP’s upazila office. In retaliation, BNP activists counter-marched and assaulted Jamaat’s office, transforming the entire area into a battlefield. Panic gripped local residents.

Several motorcycles were vandalized during the clashes before police intervened to control the situation.

Atgharia Police Station OC Shafiquzzaman Sarkar stated, “Jamaat members initially assaulted BNP activists over the college committee elections, triggering the clashes. Around 20 people were injured. The injured are receiving treatment, and the situation is now under control.”