Clash between BNP factions injures 10 in Ctg's Anwara
Highlights:
- Eyewitnesses said the fight was over "local political dominance"
- A motorcycle was torched during the clash
- An injured man's son claimed the clash began over construction material supply dispute
- He said his father, others were ambushed with gunfire, stones after leaving police station
At least 10 people, including former Barashat Union Parishad chairman Mohammad Hasan Chowdhury and BNP leader Abdul Gafur, were injured in a violent clash and shootout between two factions of the BNP in Anwara upazila of Chattogram early Sunday.
The clash broke out around 2am near the Anwara Upazila Health Complex and the Kalabibi Dighi intersection. Eyewitnesses said the fight stemmed from a dispute over "local political dominance." During the violence, a motorcycle was set on fire.
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Police arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. Officer-in-Charge of Anwara police station Md Monir Hossain said, "The conflict seems to be rooted in a power struggle."
He added, "No case has been filed yet, but we are investigating. Legal steps will follow once a complaint is submitted."
The injured individuals include Shahjahan, Abdul Jabbar, Giasuddin, Abdul Motaleb, Ashfaqul Hasan Chowdhury, Emdad Hossain, Mohammad Rashed, Mohammad Helal, Abdur Rashid, and Abul Kashem. They are currently being treated at various hospitals, including Chattogram Medical College Hospital.
Abrarul Hasan Chowdhury, son of former Union Parishad chairman Mohammad Hasan Chowdhury, claimed the clash stemmed from a conflict over supplying construction materials to a Water Development Board project.
He claimed, "Supporters of BNP's Chattogram South District Member Secretary Helal Uddin stopped Abdul Gafur and demanded extortion. They took Tk3.2 lakh from him and vandalised his car."
Abrarul added that the violence continued even after the incident was reported to the police. "As my father and others were returning from the police station, they were ambushed nearby. The attackers opened fire and threw bricks and stones. Several people were hurt, including my brother, Ashfaqul Hasan Chowdhury, who was critically injured," he said.
Attempts to reach Helal Uddin for comment were unsuccessful, as he disconnected the call.
