BNP factional clash leaves 10 injured in Meherpur

At least 10 people were reportedly injured in a clash between two rival factions of the BNP over the formation of a union committee in Meherpur's Sadar upazila this noon (23 May).

"The situation is currently calm, and additional police forces have been deployed to prevent further unrest," said Meherpur Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mejbah Uddin.

Supporters of Kamrul Hasan, member-secretary of the district BNP convening committee, claimed that six of their men were injured in the clash. The group led by former upazila BNP general secretary Saiful Islam said three of their activists were also hurt.

The injured were taken to Meherpur 250-Bed General Hospital, and two of them were later referred to Kushtia Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.

Local residents said the incident began when Kamrul was on his way to attend the bi-annual conference of the Amjhupi Union BNP. As his motorcade passed through Amjhupi Bazar on the way to Gandharajpur from Meherpur town around 11am, supporters of Saiful Islam reportedly tried to block the vehicles, sparking tensions between the groups.

Witnesses said members of the army and police rushed to the spot from the nearby army camp after being informed of the unrest. Law enforcers initially attempted to defuse the situation by suggesting the motorcade take an alternative route.

However, as the motorcade proceeded towards Gandharajpur via Amjhupi, both groups engaged in a violent clash.

Eventually, a joint team of army personnel and law enforcement officers managed to bring the situation under control.

"No written complaint has been filed yet, and no one has been detained in connection with the incident," said OC Mejbah.