1 killed, 10 injured in BNP factional clash in Pabna
A housewife was killed and at least 10 others injured in Sujanagar, Pabna, after a clash between two BNP-backed groups over local dominance escalated into gunfire and vandalism, police said. Investigations are ongoing.
A housewife was killed and at least 10 persons were injured in a clash between two BNP-backed groups over local dominance in Sujanagar upazila of Pabna today (23 March).
The incident occurred around 8am today in Vitbila Westpara village of Manikhat Union.
The deceased, China Khatun, 40, was the wife of Shukur Ali of the same village.
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Sujanagar Circle's Assistant Superintendent of Police, Sadik Ahmed, confirmed the death to UNB.
According to police and local sources, the conflict had been ongoing between one group group led by Rafiul Islam Raja, former president of the Hatkhali Union Chhatra Dal, and another led by Islam Pramanik from Vitbila village.
Late Sunday night, a fight broke out between members of the two groups, escalating tensions.
On Monday morning, members of the Islam Pramanik group gathered with sticks and rods in the area. In response, Raja's group allegedly attacked them with weapons and gunfire, also vandalizing homes.
China Khatun was shot dead on the spot, while 8–10 others were seriously injured and admitted to Sujanagar Upazila Health Complex and Pabna General Hospital.
Islam Pramanik said his nephew, Farhad, a supporter of the Awami League, was beaten by Raja's group the previous night. When he went to mediate, Raja's group attacked him as well, he alleged.
Later, the villagers decided to hold talks with elders to resolve the dispute. However, Raja's group returned in the morning with weapons and attacked the villagers, leading to the fatality and injuries, according to Pramanik.
Raja, when contacted, denied involvement and said he was attending a relative's wedding at the time, claiming he had heard that China Khatun died of a stroke.
Former ward member Habibur Rahman said both groups are BNP supporters and that the conflict had escalated after clashes between youths from the two areas.
ASP Sadik Ahmed said police rushed to the scene to control the situation. The body was recovered and sent to Pabna General Hospital morgue for autopsy, and investigations into the motive and details of the attack are ongoing.
