50 hurt as two rival groups clash in Chandpur

A clash erupted between two factions of the BNP and its affiliated organizations over dominance in Chandpur's Hajiganj Upazila on Friday, leaving at least 50 people hurt.

The collision broke out between the people of Toragarh village and Makimabad’s Sardar Bari in Hajiganj municipality on Friday, said local police station chief Md Mohiuddin.

Several motorcycles and cars were set on fire during the clash that lasted for over three hours.

Upon information, the army and police personnel rushed to the scene and took control of the situation.

Over a rumour of several deaths in the incident, Mohiuddin said, “No fatalities were reported in the clash. At least 20 to 50 people have been injured and they are receiving treatment. Legal action will be taken in this regard.”

Locals said BNP activists seized control of Hajiganj Bazar since the fall of Sheikh Hasina government. A conflict erupted between the leaders and activists of BNP’s Sardar Bari and Toragarh factions over extortion, encroachment and power afterwards.

Following this, the Toragarh faction carried out an attack at Hajiganj Bazar around 7pm on Friday. The skirmish began when the Sardar Bari faction intervened.

Md Majharul Islam, a doctor of Hajiganj Upazila Health Complex, said: “Up to 25 people injured in the clash have received treatment. Three of the wounded were sent to Cumilla Medical College Hospital as they are in critical condition.”