Section 144 imposed as two rival BNP factions clash in Satkhira

The administration of Assasuni upazila in Satkhira imposed Section 144 until further notice as two rival factions of BNP locked in a clash at Beula Cyclone Shelter Field under Budhhata union in the upazila this noon (29 January).

At least seven people were injured in the clash, said police.

Contacted, Assasuni Police Station Officer in-Charge Noman Hossain said, "Upazila Nirbahi Officer Krishna Ray has imposed Section 144 at the spot and in the adjoining areas. The situation is normal right now. Members of law enforcement agencies have been deployed there."

According to former joint convener of Assasuni upazila Jubo Dal Rafiquzzaman, a tense situation was prevailing regarding the formation of BNP's Budhhata union committee a week ago.

"Followers of Abdur Rob, president of the new committee, called for a vote seeking programme for the general secretary post at the spot where the followers of former president of the committee Kabir Dhali called for an activists' meeting. Both groups locked in a clash later, injuring six to seven people," Rafiquzzaman said.

Earlier, on 22 January, the administration in Satkhira's Shyamnagar upazila imposed Section 144 following a tense situation caused by two rival factions of the BNP.

Several people were reportedly injured as two BNP factions clashed defying the Section 144 amid rising tension over the formation of two local committees of the party.