Lakshmipur BNP factional clash: Case filed against 186 over expat's death, 16 leaders expelled
The deceased, Saiz Uddin Dewan, 40, was a resident of Char Ghasia village of the union and a Bangladeshi expatriate in Spain
A case has been filed against 186 individuals in connection with the death of a Bangladeshi expatriate amid a clash between two factions of the BNP in Raipur upazila of Lakshmipur on Monday (7 April).
The deceased, Saiz Uddin Dewan, 40, was a resident of Char Ghasia village of the union and a Bangladeshi expatriate in Spain.
"The victim's brother, Hanif Dewan, lodged the case with the Raipur Police Station yesterday naming former vice president of the BNP's North Char Bangshi Union unit, Faruk Kabiraj, as the prime accused," Raipur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Nizam Uddin Bhuiyan told the Business Standard today (10 April).
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
He said a total of 186 individuals have been charged in the case, including 26 named and 160 unidentified individuals.
"Operations are ongoing to apprehend the accused. The situation is under control and patrolling in the area has been increased," the OC added.
Meanwhile, in response to the killing, vandalism, and arson, the BNP has expelled 16 leaders from the party and its affiliated organisations.
Raipur upazila BNP convener ZM Nazmul Islam Mithu said, "16 leaders from the BNP and its affiliates have been expelled permanently. Legal action will be taken against those responsible."
Among those expelled are Shamim Gazi, member secretary of the Raipur upazila Krishak Dal, and Manik Ahmad Tarek, convener of the Char Bangshi Union Swechhasebak Dal.
According to locals, longstanding disputes between the groups led by Faruk Kabiraj and Shamim Gazi have persisted over establishing dominance in the area. These tensions erupted into multiple clashes on 7 April from morning until afternoon.
Saiz Uddin was killed during the clashes and 15 others were injured.
Following the violence, at least 10 houses were vandalised or set on fire, and various household items were looted.
Both Shamim Gazi and Faruk Kabiraj have blamed each other for the violence.
