Staff Correspondent :
At least 20 people were seriously injured, including five who were
struck with spears, in a violent clash between two factions of the BNP in
Araihazar, Narayanganj. Among the victims, spear-injured Manjur
Hossain, Mokbul, and Jasim, along with two others, were taken to
Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The rest are receiving treatment at
different local health centers.
During the clash, the entire area turned into a battlefield, creating panic
across several nearby villages. The violence also led to widespread
vandalism and looting of homes. Police initially failed to bring the
situation under control, and it was only after the joint forces intervened
that order was restored.
The incident took place on Tuesday (August 19) between 8 a.m. and
noon in Baheerchar and Kakailmora villages under Khagkanda Union of
the upazila. For a long time, the president and general secretary of the
Khagkanda Union BNP have accused each other of relying on Awami
League supporters to strengthen their influence.
Following these tensions, on Tuesday morning, Idris Ali—a supporter of
Union BNP president Belayet Hossain from Kakailmora—clashed with
the followers of Union BNP general secretary Zakaria. Both groups,
armed with machetes, knives, and spears, attacked each other, leading to
a fierce and violent confrontation.
According to local sources, the people of Baheerchar and Kakailmora
villages have long been divided over lawsuits, local rivalries, and control
of power. This underlying conflict sparked the BNP factional fighting
over a minor issue. Currently, 15–20 cases are ongoing between
residents of these two villages. Similar clashes have erupted in the past,
contributing to the deterioration of law and order in the area. Locals fear
that more bloodshed could erupt at any time.
Monir, one of the injured, said, “I am a poultry farmer. I had 1,000
laying hens in my farm. They looted everything. I was attacked during
the clash, and my home was ransacked. I have suffered heavy losses.”
Union BNP general secretary Zakaria said, “Idris Ali is actually an
Awami League man. He clashed with local Swechchhasebak League
leader Manjur Hossain and his people. He has never been a BNP
activist.”
In response, Idris Ali claimed, “Zakaria, with the support of Khagkanda
Union Olama League president Tofazzal Hossain, Awami League
members, and local allies, vandalized and looted ten of our homes. The
damage amounts to nearly half a crore taka.”
Araihazar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Khondaker Nasir
Uddin said, “The incident took place over local dominance. Police were
dispatched immediately, and the situation is now under control.”
District Police Senior Assistant Superintendent (G-Circle) Mehedi Islam
added, “The situation in the area is currently stable, and police have
been deployed on the ground. So far, no party has filed any written
complaint. Once we receive a complaint, we will investigate and take
appropriate legal action.”
