BNP-Jamaat clash in Cumilla leaves 10 injured

At least 10 people were injured in a clash between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami supporters in Chauddagram upazila of Cumilla today (31 January).

The clash occurred in Hatbair village under Jagannath Dighi union. Police and army personnel later rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control.

Confirming the matter, Chauddagram Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abu Mahmud Kawsar Hossain said, "The situation is now calm. Further details will be shared later."

The injured include Jamaat leaders Robiul Hossain Rocky, Zakaria Russell, Kazi Russell and Rifat Sani, as well as Chauddagram upazila BNP Vice-President Soleman Chowdhury. The injured were taken to Chauddagram Upazila Health Complex and several hospitals in the district.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident took place after a Jamaat-organised election rally at the Chauddagram HJ Govt Pilot Model High School ground. Following speeches of Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, party leaders and activists were returning home. When they reached the Hatbair area local BNP activists allegedly made provocative remarks, triggering an argument that soon escalated into a violent clash between the two groups.

Tension spread quickly, leaving at least 10 people from both sides injured.

Speaking to The Business Standard, Chauddagram upazila Jamaat Secretary Belal Hossain said, "Our leaders and activists were attacked when they were returning home from the rally. The assault was led by armed criminals of the BNP."

"At least 10 of our leaders and activists were injured. We strongly condemn and protest this attack," he added.

However, BNP leader Soleman Chowdhury denied the allegations, claiming that Jamaat-Shibir activists first attacked BNP supporters while returning from a gathering near the house of a local Swechchhasebak Dal leader.

"When BNP leaders rushed to the spot after hearing the news, Jamaat-Shibir attacked again. My driver and I were injured in the incident," he said.