21 Jamaat men held after clash with BNP over football match in Kushtia

At least 21 leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami were detained following a clash with BNP supporters over a children's football match in Kushtia's Mirpur upazila, police said.

The incident took place in Burapara village under Amla union, where tensions had been ongoing between two local groups reportedly aligned with BNP leader Riazul Haque Tufan and Jamaat leader Mukul.

According to locals, the clash began on Thursday evening (16 April) after a dispute over a football match escalated from an argument into a chase and counter-chase. At least four people from both sides were injured in the incident.

Tension resurfaced this morning (17 April), prompting a joint operation by district's Detective Police (DB) and Mirpur police later in the day. During the drive, law enforcers detained 21 individuals from the area and seized a cache of locally made weapons, including machetes and hammers.

Some of the detainees claimed they were picked up during prayer time and denied any involvement in the clash.

Mirpur upazila Jamaat ameer Rezaul Haque told The Business Standard that the arrests were made in connection with a local dispute case, claiming that 21 Jamaat leaders and activists, including ward-level leader Rokon, were detained.

However, Mirpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shahidul Islam said the arrests were made based on involvement in the clash, not political identity. "The situation is now under control, and additional police have been deployed in the area," he said, adding that drives to arrest those responsible would continue.

Authorities said the area remains tense, with intensified police patrols in place to maintain law and order.