2 killed in AL-BNP clash in Rajshahi

Two people, including a woman, were killed in a clash between BNP and Awami League members in Rajshahi. At least 20 others were injured in the incident.

A woman named Ferdousi was among those killed in the clash. However, the name of another person who was killed was not immediately known. It is also not known which faction the deceased belonged to.

Tension erupted in Durgapur upazila of Rajshahi around 10:30am on Saturday (February 22) due to a land dispute. It then turned into a clash between the members of the BNP and the Awami League.

Locals said that BNP activist Mamun and his heirs of Tiarkuri village in Durgapur had been in a dispute over land for a long time with Awami League leader and former chairman of Deluabari union Riazul and his heirs. As a result, a clash broke out between the two parties on Saturday morning. A woman named Ferdousi was stabbed to death during this time. Another person was also killed.

Witnesses said that Mamun and his men went to seize the land of Riazul. At one stage Mamun's men attacked Riazul's men, triggering a clash between the two groups. Ferdousi Begum and three others were seriously injured in the attack. When they were taken to the Upazila Health Complex, the doctor on duty declared Ferdousi Begum dead. Another seriously injured person was admitted to the Rajshahi Medical College (RMC) Hospital where he died.

Durul Hoda, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Durgapur Police Station, said: "Seven people have been arrested in a drive after the incident. Verification is underway to identify those involved in the attack. Efforts are also being made to arrest others involved in the attack."