1 killed, 15 injured in clash between BNP factions in Rangpur

One person was killed and at least 15 were injured in a clash between two factions of BNP in Rangpur's Badarganj upazila today (5 April) over control of a business.

The incident took place near the central Shaheed Minar in the upazila around noon, reports Prothom Alo.

The deceased, Lablu Mia, 50, succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital (RMCH) around 4:45pm. His son, Raihan Ali, confirmed the death to Prothom Alo.

"The situation is currently under control, with police and army personnel deployed in the area to prevent further escalation. Legal action will be taken if any complaints are filed," said Badarganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) AKM Atikur Rahman.

Captain Mehedi of Bangladesh Army said the two groups clashed over a business of corrugated shit. "Action would be taken against those responsible after analysing the CCTV footage of the area."

At least nine critically injured individuals were transferred to RMCH after initial treatment at the Badarganj Upazila Health Complex.

Residential Medical Officer Dr Shakir Mubasshir said victims sustained stab wounds in various parts of their bodies, with four reported to be in critical condition.

Former MP and upazila BNP member Mohammad Ali Sarker told Prothom Alo, "Lablu is my family member and a dedicated political activist. A criminal gang led by Kalupara union parishad Chairman Shahidul Haque and his son Tomal killed Lablu by stabbing him on the head in broad daylight."

However, Shahidul Haque denied his or his son's involvement with the killing.