Woman killed in clash between two BNP factions in Pabna

A woman was killed and at least 10 others injured in a clash between two local BNP-backed groups over establishing dominance in Sujanagar, Pabna. The incident occurred around 8:00 am on Monday, March 23, in the Vitbila Westpara village of Manikhat union, Sujanagar upazila.

The deceased has been identified as China Khatun, 40, wife of Shukur Ali from the same village.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (Sujanagar Circle) Sadik Ahmed confirmed the matter. According to police and local sources, there had been a long-standing feud between the group of Rafiul Islam Raja, former president of Hatkhali union Chhatra Dal, and the group of Islam Pramanik, a BNP supporter from Vitbila village in Manikhat union. A scuffle broke out between the two groups late on Sunday night, and tensions escalated on Monday morning.

On Tuesday morning, supporters of Islam Pramanik were gathering in the area with sticks when supporters of Raja group, armed with sticks and firearms, launched an attack, opened fire and vandalised homes. China Khatun died on the spot. At least 10 critically injured have been admitted to Sujanagar Upazila Health Complex and Pabna General Hospital.

Islam Pramanik claimed he had tried to stop the attack, but Raja group launched a sudden assault on them. Meanwhile, the accused Rafiul Islam Raja said he was not present at the scene and had no involvement in the shooting.

Sujanagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Khoim Uddin said the woman was killed by gunfire, and police have been deployed to the scene. Assistant Superintendent of Police Sadik Ahmed said the body would be sent to Pabna General Hospital morgue for autopsy. An investigation is underway into the cause and details of the attack.