7 injured in BNP faction clash over Munshiganj-3 nomination

At least seven people were injured on Friday evening in Gazaria, Munshiganj, during a violent clash between two factions of the BNP reportedly over the party nomination for the Munshiganj-3 constituency. 

The confrontation, which erupted during a torch procession demanding the cancellation of the BNP's official nomination for the seat, also involved several cocktail explosions and the vandalism of a vehicle.

Gazaria Police Station OC Anwar Alam Azad said, "So far we have received reports of three injured people and one vandalised vehicle. We are at the scene with the army. The situation is currently calm."

The clash occurred at around 5:30pm in the Jamaldi Bus Stand area of the upazila.

Eyewitnesses said the central committee's Social Welfare Secretary Kamruzzaman Ratan, has been nominated as the BNP candidate for Munshiganj-3. 

Mohiuddin Ahmed, a member secretary of the district BNP, was also seeking the nomination. 

After Ratan's name was announced as the party candidate on Thursday, supporters of Mohiuddin Ahmed reportedly became agitated.

In protest, Mohiuddin Ahmed's supporters organised a torch procession in the Jamaldi Bus Stand area on Friday evening, demanding that Ratan's nomination be cancelled. 

As the procession began, clashes and chases broke out between the two groups. 

Eyewitnesses also reported that a car belonging to Ali Hossain, joint convener of the upazila Jubo Dal, was vandalised.

The injured were taken to the Upazila Health Complex and nearby hospitals. Two were admitted to Hamdard General Hospital. 

Dr Ashraf Hossain Raju, duty doctor at the emergency department there, said, "Two injured patients have arrived at our hospital. They received primary treatment and were sent to Dhaka. One of them, named Swadhin, is seriously injured, with wounds on both hands and his head."

Commenting on the incident, Masud Faruk, a supporter of Kamruzzaman Ratan and member of the district BNP convening committee, said, "Kamruzzaman Ratan is a resident of Gazaria Upazila. His BNP nomination has brought great joy among the people of Gazaria. The news you have received today is mainly about the local people uniting to resist the agents of the Awami League."

On the other hand, Ali Hossain, joint convener of the upazila Jubo Dal and a supporter of Mohiuddin Ahmed, said, "Criminals attacked my office, vandalised my car, and even tried to attack my house. Several of my supporters were injured in the attack. I am currently at the hospital with them and will speak later."

Asked about the matter, Kamruzzaman Ratan said, "I came to the hospital because I was feeling slightly unwell. I heard about the incident from here. What happened is very regrettable. I want justice for those involved in this incident."