BNP, NCP supporters clash in Cumilla's Muradnagar, 15 injured

At least 15 people were injured in a clash between supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Muradnagar upazila of Cumilla today (30 July).

The incident took place this afternoon at Allah Chattar area in Muradnagar sadar, where both parties had announced political programmes.

Confirming the matter to The Business Standard, Muradnagar Police Station's Officer-in-Charge (Investigation) Amin Kader Khan said, "A rally and protest by NCP supporters was ongoing when some people threw bricks at them. Then both parties got involved in clashes."

He added, "We brought the situation under control and will take action against those found responsible. An investigation is underway to identify the instigators of the violence."

Photo: Colected

According to police and local sources, NCP supporters held a protest rally in the area, denouncing alleged propaganda against Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives (LGRD) Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan.

As the rally dispersed, provocations from behind allegedly triggered a confrontation between BNP and NCP activists. The situation quickly escalated into a chase-and-counter-chase, with both sides throwing brickbats.

Journalists covering the event were also caught in the chaos.

Advocate Obaidul Haque, a supporter of Asif Mahmud, told TBS, "BNP activists launched an unprovoked attack on our rally. They hurled bricks and stones at us as soon as we entered the area with our rally. Over 50 of our supporters were injured."

On the other hand, BNP's Muradnagar Upazila convener Mohiuddin Anjon denied the allegations and blamed NCP for initiating the violence. "We were peacefully observing our pre-scheduled programme demanding withdrawal of false cases filed against our leaders."

"Suddenly, NCP activists attacked us, and we had to defend ourselves. At least 15 of our men were injured," he claimed.