BNP–Jamaat clash in Chandpur leaves 35 injured

At least 35 people were injured in a clash between BNP and Jamaat activists in Hajiganj upazila of Chandpur on Friday morning (3 October), reportedly sparked by a distorted photo shared on Facebook.

The incident took place in Palishara village under Gandharbapur North Union. The injured were taken to Hajiganj Upazila Health Complex and Chandpur Sadar Hospital, while several others received first aid locally.

According to BNP activists, Gandharbapur North Union Jamaat chief Maulana Ilias Hossain shared a distorted photo involving BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman and party leader Rumin Farhana on Facebook, which fuelled tensions from Thursday afternoon.

Former upazila Jubo Dal member secretary Kazi Jasim alleged that when BNP activists confronted Maulana Ilias over the post on Friday morning, Jamaat activists launched an attack. At least 10 BNP men, including union Jubo Dal general secretary Saiful Miji and former Chhatra Dal president Nesar Ahmed Chowdhury, were seriously injured. Five of them were admitted to hospital.

Maulana Ilias Hossain, also the khatib of Palishara Shahmiran Mira Bari Jame Mosque, admitted that the photo was mistakenly shared from his personal Facebook account. “Sometimes my children use my phone, it could have been shared by them. I deleted it once informed and even posted an apology. We were supposed to sit and resolve the matter, but before that, our men were attacked,” he said.

Jamaat leaders said several of their activists, including local union chiefs and members, were also injured and taken to Chandpur Sadar Hospital.

Union BNP leaders Abdul Quddus Master and Sultan Mahmud stated that the matter has been reported to upazila BNP leadership and further action will be taken as per party directives.

Upazila Jamaat’s naib-e-amir and former vice-chairman Maulana Mozammel Hossain Poran said, “The issue was already apologised for. The subsequent attack is regrettable.”

Former upazila BNP general secretary M A Rahim Patwary claimed that Jamaat men assaulted BNP activists when they protested against the post insulting Tarique Rahman and Rumin Farhana, leaving at least 15 injured.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Hajiganj Police Station Mohammad Mohiuddin Faruq confirmed the clash. “Police were deployed and the situation brought under control. No complaint has been filed yet. Legal steps will be taken if a case is lodged,” he said.