5 hurt as BNP factions clash over jhut trade in Gazipur

Five people were injured in a clash between two factions of the BNP over jhut (scraps of fabric, by-products of garment factories) trading at Windy Apparels Limited in Gazipur today (16 January). 

The clash broke out at around 10am and continued for several hours in the Pagar Society field area of Tongi, according to local police.

"We deployed police personnel upon hearing about the clash. The situation came under control and no written complaints have been filed so far by anyone over the incident," Faridul Islam, officer-in-charge (OC) of Tongi East Police Station, told TBS.

According to locals, Asadur Rahman Kiran, vice president of the Gazipur Metropolitan Awami League and former acting mayor of Gazipur City, had been involved in jhut trading at Windy Apparels since its inception. 

Currently imprisoned due to his involvement in 18 cases, his absence has prompted local BNP leaders to attempt a takeover of the jhut business, leading to a dispute between two factions over who would receive the delivery of fabric scraps from the factory. 

During the clash between supporters of BNP leader Hasan Uddin Sarkar and local Jubo Dal leader Nazmul Mondal, one gunshot was fired and three cocktails exploded, causing panic in the area.

However, Tongi East Police Station OC Faridul Islam said he had not received any reports of gunfire or explosions.

Johnny Kibria, personal secretary to BNP leader Hasan Uddin Sarkar, told TBS, "I have an agreement with the factory regarding the fabric scraps. However, when I sold the scraps to a third party, the buyers were attacked by men associated with Nazmul Mondal while they were collecting the materials. Shots were fired, and cocktails were detonated." 

He also alleged that Awami League leader Kiran's associates were also involved in the attack alongside Mondal's group.

Nazmul Mondal, member secretary of Tongi East Jubo Dal, refuted the claims, stating, "As local BNP activists, our people went to buy fabric scraps, but some criminals and Awami League leaders attacked them with firearms, machetes, and knives. Four BNP activists and one passerby were injured. The attackers also fired shots and detonated cocktails."

Kamrul Islam, administrative officer of Windy Apparels Limited, said, "Former acting mayor Asadur Rahman Kiran used to handle the business here. Now, an agreement has been made with BNP leader Hasan Uddin Sarkar regarding the factory's waste materials, and they have collected them." 

"I do not know what happened outside," he added.