MEHERPUR — Supporters of former Meherpur-2 lawmaker Amjad Hossain and backers of a rival who was denied the BNP nomination clashed at Gangni bazaar Tuesday, leaving several activists injured and around 20 motorcycles damaged.
The clash broke out at midday between supporters of Hossain, the BNP’s nominee for Meherpur-2, and supporters of district BNP president Javed Masud Milton. Milton’s supporters then vandalized the Gangni upazila BNP office. Several activists from both sides were injured. At least 20 motorcycles and several businesses were damaged. Additional security forces were deployed to bring the situation under control. The area was calm by evening but residents in Gangni bazaar remained on edge.
Hossain’s supporters said the BNP-nominated candidate had been passing through the bus stand with party workers at around 11:30 a.m. when Milton’s supporters launched a sudden attack. Hossain took shelter at his office, after which Milton’s supporters attacked the Gangni upazila BNP office, threw bricks and damaged at least 20 motorcycles parked outside. Several activists on both sides were injured.
After news of the attack spread, Hossain’s supporters marched from the hospital bazaar to Gangni bus stand under the leadership of Asaduzzaman Bablu, a former general secretary of the Gangni upazila BNP. Angry supporters of Hossain then attacked Milton’s office. Milton’s supporters fled the scene as the situation deteriorated. Tensions spread across Gangni bazaar and traders shuttered their shops in fear. Activists scattered when police and an army patrol arrived. Further attacks and counterattacks took place but police eventually brought the situation under control.
Hossain’s supporters held a protest march at around 3 p.m. against the surprise attack at Gangni bazaar. The procession circled the city’s main road before ending in front of the Gangni upazila BNP office, where a brief rally was held.
District BNP president Javed Masud Milton said the clash was unfortunate. “I learned about it later. The full picture will emerge through an investigation,” he said.
Gangni police station Officer-in-Charge Boni Israil said additional police had been deployed across Gangni city and the situation was now normal.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report