Bombs explode, shots fired, motorcycles torched as two BNP factions clash in Rajshahi
Three people, including a member of the Detective Branch, were injured during the clashes
Handmade bombs exploded, shots were fired, and three motorcycles were set ablaze as two factions of the BNP engaged in repeated clashes over establishing dominance in Rajshahi city last night (7 March).
Chase and counter-chase took place during the clashes in the city's Dorikhorbona and Railgate areas from around 8pm last night, according to locals and police.
Witnesses said at least eight bombs were exploded and three gunshots were heard during the clashes. The supporters of the two BNP factions were also seen carrying different types of sharp and local weapons at the time.
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Four people, including a policeman, were injured during the clashes. They were later admitted to a local hospital.
Locals said Jatiotabadi Mohila Dal leader Lovely and her supporters went to the Mun Rabeya Tower at Dorikhorbona on Thursday night (6 March) and reportedly detained Jubo League leader Sabbir Babu before handing him over to police.
In retaliation, yesterday evening, a faction of the BNP, along with some Awami League activists, allegedly attacked and vandalised her house. Following this, a clash erupted between the two groups and another group in the Railgate area.
Boalia Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mostak Hossain said police went to the spot following reports of the clashes. The situation came under control at around 11pm following the intervention of the army and police.
Meanwhile, at around 11:30pm, Lovely held a press conference at a relative's house in the city's Miapara area following the clash, where she claimed that a group of BNP men attacked her house because she and her supporters had surrounded the building of Awami League leader Mostak Ahmed and handed over his brother to the police on Thursday night.
Lovely further claimed that after handing over Sabbir to the police, Jubo Dal's former metropolitan unit secretary Maruf Hossain offered her Tk5 lakh in exchange for staying silent on the matter. However, she refused the offer.
The same proposal was brought to her yesterday evening, and after she declined it, her house was attacked and vandalised, he alleged.
When contacted for comments, Maruf did not answer his phone. Instead, a person identifying himself as his younger brother, Sony, picked up the call.
While talking to The Business Standard, Sony claimed that Lovely's brother was involved with the Tanti League and her son with the Jubo League. He said Chhatra Dal members had gone to capture them, which led to the clash. He denied that the incident was linked to Awami League leader Mostak.
Regarding the matter, the BNP Chairperson's Adviser and former Rajshahi city mayor Mizanur Rahman Minu claimed this was not a clash between two BNP factions and those responsible for the incident were criminals.
