Two injured in clash between Jamaat, BNP over extortion dispute in Kushtia

At least two people were injured in a clash between activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP in Kushtia this afternoon (16 July), over a dispute involving extortion on a local road, police said.

The incident took place around 4pm at the Kazipara intersection.

The injured are Rakib Hossain, 40, convener of the municipal Zia Mancha and leaseholder, and Saiful Islam Shovon, 30, general secretary of ward no 2 Jubo Jamaat. Rakib is now under treatment at Kushtia Sadar Hospital, and Shovon is receiving treatment at home.

Confirming the matter to The Business Standard, Kumarkhali Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Solaiman Sheikh said, "Legal steps will be taken if complaints are filed. The situation is now normal."

The OC added, "However, tension remains high between the two groups. Additional police have been deployed to maintain law and order."

According to police and locals, Rakib had leased the municipal area for around Tk21.64 lakh to collect tolls and parking fees.

Today, a friend of Shovon, who drives an auto-rickshaw, arrived in Kazipara, where Rakib's men demanded Tk20 with a receipt. The driver refused and called Shovon, who came with several supporters. An argument broke out and soon turned violent with sharp weapons.

Rakib's supporter Bappi told TBS, "Shovon first misbehaved and then brought 5–7 men who attacked Rakib."

Denying the allegations, Shovon said, "We were beaten for refusing to pay the money."