Two BNP factions clashed with chases and counter-chases in Panchagarh town, leaving at least 15 people from both sides injured. Four of the seriously injured were sent to Rangpur. The clash began around 10pm Sunday, sparked by a procession that started from the town’s Tetulia bus stand, with intermittent clashes continuing until midnight.
According to eyewitnesses and police sources, around 10pm, supporters of Panchagarh-1 MP Barrister Mohammad Noushad Jamir brought out a procession from the Tetulia bus stand. When the procession reached the town’s M R College crossing, chasing and counter-chasing broke out with supporters of water resources deputy minister and Panchagarh-2 MP Farhad Hossain Azad. At one point, the two sides began hurling bricks and clashing.
Both groups took position on the highway carrying sticks. The clash halted traffic on the highway for nearly two hours, stranding hundreds of vehicles. Police later brought the situation under control by deploying additional officers. Both sides left the scene after midnight.
According to Panchagarh Modern Sadar Hospital, the 15 injured in the clash were Rokonuzzaman Japan, 35; Abdul Baten, 40; Shamim, 28; Jibon, 22; Safat Kabir, 21; Sakkhor, 18; Pakku, 22; Moynul, 28; Tapu, 18; Milon, 18; Soumik, 19; Farhad, 18; Karim Akhtar, 44; Jisan, 17; and Nurnabi Chowdhury, 38. They were identified as leaders and activists of BNP, Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Chhatra Dal.
Dr Rezwanullah, resident medical officer at Panchagarh Modern Sadar Hospital, said a total of 11 people were admitted to the hospital, four of whom were referred to Rangpur. Many of the injured suffered head injuries. He said they had been informed the injuries resulted from a political clash.
An exchange-of-views meeting was held at the district BNP office Sunday morning, attended by social welfare and women and children affairs minister Professor Dr A Z M Zahid Hossain. Verbal disputes and commotion broke out between the two sides during remarks by Boda upazila BNP general secretary Asadullah Asad. Leaders and activists said the night’s clash stemmed from that earlier incident.
Panchagarh additional superintendent of police Shoimi Imtiaz said the situation is now under police control, and that necessary measures would be taken after investigating the incident.