9 injured in clash over collecting donations at Eidgah ground in Kushtia
At least nine people were injured in a clash between two groups over collecting donations at a Eidgah ground in Kushtia's Kumarkhali today (31 March).
The incident occurred around 9:30am at Shah Nimatullah Eidgah in the upazila's Chandpur union.
Confirming the matter, Kumarkhali Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Solaiman Sheikh said, "Nine people from both sides were injured in the altercation and are currently receiving treatment at upazila and district health complexes."
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"A dispute over collecting money at the Eidgah ground led to a clash between two groups. The situation is now under control. Legal action will be taken if a written complaint is filed," the OC added.
The injured were identified as Faruk Hossain, 46, Munhor Sheikh, 55, Sijarat, 43, Kolom Ali, 38, Alam Hossain, 30, Jihad Sheikh, 18, Sabid Saha, Amirul Islam, 50, and his son Badon Sheikh, 21.
According to locals, the Eidgah ground has lacked a management committee for a long time. After the 8:45am Eid prayer led by Maulana Suruj Ali, he announced that no one would be allowed to collect donations in the name of mosques.
However, local resident Ali Reza, 60 and his supporters began collecting money despite the announcement.
Faruk Hossain and his group opposed this, leading to a heated altercation that quickly escalated into a clash. Both groups engaged in chase and counter-chase and throwing bricks at each other. Later, police arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.
At Kumarkhali Upazila Health Complex, injured Munhor Sheikh and Alam Hossain told The Business Standard that Ali Reza and his men, supporters of Awami League, attacked them for opposing the donation collection.
They claimed that at least seven of their people were injured, and Faruk Hossain suffered a severe lip injury.
However, denying the allegations, Ali Reza said his group was attacked for collecting mosque donations. "Two to three of my men were injured and are receiving treatment. I demand a fair investigation into the incident."
