Chhatra Dal leader killed in clash between 2 Jubo Dal factions over removing banner

A youth was shot dead and at least eight others were injured in a clash between two rival groups of the Jubo Dal, the youth wing of the BNP, in Chattogram's Bakalia area early today (28 October).

The deceased, identified as Md Sajjad, 22, was the son of Md Alam from the Taktharpul area of Bakalia. His family said he was an active activist of the Chhatra Dal, the BNP's student front, and a supporter of former city BNP president and mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain. Sajjad had recently appeared for his HSC exams from a college in Patharghata.

The violence broke out around 12:45am on Syed Shah Road near Madina Residential area when supporters of two factions — one led by former Chattogram city Jubo Dal leader Emdadul Haque Badsha and the other by a local leader named Borhan — clashed over removing a banner marking the organisation's founding anniversary.

Police and locals said the dispute began when Badsha's followers tried to take down a banner put up by Borhan's group that featured a photo of former city BNP president and mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain. Badsha's men claimed they were acting on "instructions from higher leadership." The argument quickly turned violent, leading to a shootout between the two sides.

His elder brother Md Imran told The Business Standard, "My brother was at home when a BNP activist named Mobarak called and asked him to come out. Minutes after he left, we heard gunfire. Later I learned that Sajjad had been shot and taken to the hospital. Around 2am, we were told he had died."

Police said Sajjad sustained a bullet wound to his chest and was declared dead after being taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH).

Nurul Alam Ashiq, in-charge of the CMCH police outpost, confirmed the death. "One youth died of bullet injuries. Eight others were admitted with gunshot wounds or other injuries," he said. The injured include Jewel, Sabbir, Sharif, Yasin, Ekram, Parvez, and Maruf — all residents of Bakalia's Bowbazar area.

Officer-in-Charge Ikhtiar Uddin of Bakalia Police Station told TBS, "The incident stemmed from a dispute over putting up a banner. One person has died, and several others are injured. We're investigating the case."

Police have since increased patrols in the area to prevent further violence.

Badsha, once the organisational secretary of the city Jubo Dal, was expelled from the party in July on charges of extortion and illegal occupation. Locals say his faction has since been in conflict with other groups loyal to Dr Shahadat. Tension remains high in the Bakalia area following the deadly clash.