10 injured as rival groups clash over brick kilns and illegal soil extraction in N'ganj

At least 10 people have been injured in a violent clash between two rival groups over control of brick kilns and illegal soil extraction in Narayanganj's Fatullah.

The clash broke out today (10 October) in the Akbarnagar area of Baktabali union. Police have yet to make any arrests.

Shamim Hossain, additional superintendent of police for the district's 'Ka-Circle', said police had been deployed at the scene and the situation was now fully under control.

He added that legal action would be taken against those involved.

According to locals, the two groups had been embroiled in a dispute over control of illegal soil extraction operations and brick kilns on the western bank of the Dhaleshwari river in Baktabali union.

One side is led by Nazrul Islam Pradhan, president of the Baktabali union BNP, and Samed Ali, a local Awami League leader while the opposing faction includes Halim Azad, the union BNP's organising secretary, and Khabir Mia, an Awami League leader.

Around 1pm today, Halim Azad and Khabir Mia allegedly arrived in Akbarnagar, an area associated with Samed Ali, with a group of supporters. Clashes subsequently broke out between their group and supporters of Nazrul Pradhan and Samed Ali.

During the clash, Samed Ali's younger son, Hridoy, was reportedly shot.

Hridoy said he was leaving home for his business when a group of people allegedly led by Halim Azad attacked him.

"Halim Azad shot me with a pistol he was carrying," he alleged.

Local residents later took him to Khanpur Hospital for treatment.

Inspector (Investigation) Anwar Hossain of Fatullah Police Station said police had also heard reports of a shooting but had yet to verify them.

"We are at the scene and will be able to provide further details once the information has been verified," he said.

Inspector (Investigation) Anwar Hossain of Fatullah Police Station said, "We have also heard reports of a shooting, but have yet to confirm. We are at the scene and will be able to provide further details once the information has been verified."

Nazrul Pradhan and Halim Azad couldn't be reached for their comments on the clash.

Shahidul Islam Titu, president of the Fatullah Thana BNP, said he had heard that Nazrul Pradhan was attending a programme when Halim Azad arrived with a group of supporters. "An Awami League leader was reportedly also present."

"This led to a clash between the two sides. I called Nazrul, but he did not answer. I am making further enquiries to establish the details," he added.