Fight for dominance over cropland: BNP factions clash in Noakhali

❐ District Correspondent

There have been repeated clashes and chases and counter-chase incidents between two local BNP factions over the dominance of selling cropland in Senbagh, Noakhali.

The clash began at around 9:30 pm on Thursday, April 16, in the Pubali Bricks area of ​​Uttar Shahapur village in Kabilpur union of the upazila.

Extreme tension spread in the area when a motorcycle was set on fire during the clash.

Local sources say that the root of the conflict is the purchase and sale of cropland. During the Awami League government, Abdul Ahad, the convener of Kabilpur Union Jubo League, bought land from local farmers. However, after the political change, he was unable to buy the land himself and sold it to local BNP activist Md. Fakir.

On the night of April 16, Md. Fakir’s people faced obstacles when they went to cut the land. BNP activists from the same area, Md. Mujib, Md. Ashraful and Md. Tarek, along with their followers, blocked the cutting of the land, and a heated argument broke out between the two parties.

At one stage of the argument, both sides jumped on each other with sticks and bricks. The Pubali Bricks area turned into a battlefield. During the clash, Md. Fakir’s followers set fire to a motorcycle to harass their opponents.

Senbagh police station quickly reached the spot after receiving the information and brought the situation under control. However, as the clash took place in the dark, neither side was able to confirm the exact number of casualties.

Regarding the incident, Jubo League leader Abdul Ahad said, “After the fall of the Awami League government, BNP leaders and activists were obstructing my work. So I sold the land to BNP activist Fakir. They are the ones who are now fighting among themselves.”

On the other hand, BNP activist Md. Mujib denied the attack allegations and claimed, “It is completely illegal to cut soil from cultivated land and use it for brick kilns. That is why the locals wanted to stop it. But Fakir’s people instead attacked the villagers.”

When contacted, Kabilpur Union BNP President Sheikh Mostafizur Rahman refused to comment on the matter.

Senbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Abul Bashar said that the police were sent to calm the situation immediately after receiving the information. A burnt motorcycle was recovered from the scene. No written complaint has been received from any party in this incident yet. Legal action will be taken after investigation if a complaint is received.