Two BNP groups clash in Kaliakair over jhut business control

A clash has broken out between two factions of local BNP in Kaliakair, Gazipur, over control of the jhut (textile waste) business. The clash occurred on Tuesday morning in front of the Hope Lone Intimate Limited factory in the Mouchak area of the upazila, leaving several people injured. Harun or Rashid is reported to be in critical condition.

According to local sources, a dispute arose between BNP's Harun group and Farhad group over control of jhut collection from the factory. At one stage, a cocktail exploded, and members of the Farhad group vandalised Harun's car. Subsequently, members of the Harun group launched a counter-attack with sharp local weapons.

Party sources have said that Harun or Rashid is a former joint organising secretary of Kaliakair upazila BNP, and Farhad Hossain is a former vice-president of Gazipur district Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD). Members of both groups sometimes identify themselves as followers of BNP leader Kazi Sayeedul Alam Bablu, and sometimes as followers of Mojibur Rahman.

Police said all parties had left the scene by the time they arrived. However, one cocktail has been recovered from the spot.

Mouchak Police Outpost in-charge Shamim Akhter said the situation is now normal.

Gazipur district BNP Member Secretary Barrister Chowdhury Ishrak Ahmed Siddiqui said, "If the incident is true, it is condemnable. BNP will not tolerate this, and action will be taken against those found guilty after investigation."