30 injured in clash between BNP factions in Faridpur; shops vandalised

At least 25 people were injured as a clash broke out between two factions of the BNP in Faridpur's Boalmari upazila during an event marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day this afternoon (7 November).

The incident led to widespread vandalism, including the destruction of several shops and the burning of motorcycles. Later, at around 5:30pm, a joint team of army and police forces arrived to restore order.

Confirming the matter, Md Mahmudul Hasan, officer-in-charge of Boalmari Police Station, said, "Vandalism and arson occurred in the clash between the two factions of BNP. Three policemen were injured during the incident. The situation is now under control." 

Police and eyewitnesses said tensions had been escalating for days between local BNP candidates competing for the party's nomination for the Faridpur-1 constituency. Supporters of former MP and Shramik Dal Vice-President Khondkar Nasirul Islam and Boalmari BNP Vice-President Shamsuddin Mia Junu had gathered at the WAPDA intersection for the event when the confrontation turned violent.

Sirajul Islam, president of Boalmari BNP, said, "We had planned a peaceful rally to mark Revolution and Solidarity Day. However, supporters of the Junu group unexpectedly attacked our procession, launching crude bombs and assaulting our leaders and workers."

On the other hand, Shamsuddin Mia Junu, vice-president of Boalmari BNP, said, "Around 30 of our motorcycles were set on fire, and our party office was also vandalised. Our activists were beaten, and we strongly condemn this violent act."