20 injured in BNP factional clashes in Bagerhat

BAGERHAT, Jan 09 (UNB): At least 20 people, including women and children, were injured in violent clashes between two rival factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Bagerhat Sadar upazila on Wednesday night.

The conflict, driven by a power struggle, also saw houses looted, establishments torched, and six motorbikes set ablaze.

The dispute reportedly stems from a long-standing rivalry between Mostafizur Rahman and Ruhul Amin, also known as Ruhul Member.

Both are former joint convenors of the union BNP unit and have been vying for dominance, particularly in light of the recent formation of the union-level committee, where each seeks to claim the presidency.

The unrest began on Monday night when the groups clashed, culminating in the vandalism of a motorbike. Tensions escalated further on Wednesday, leading to chases and counter-chases between the factions throughout the afternoon.

The most severe violence occurred later that night when over 100 individuals, allegedly led by Mostafizur, attacked five houses belonging to Ruhul's extended family. According to Ruhul, the attackers looted valuables, set fire to establishments, and left at least 15 to 20 people injured. Six motorbikes were also destroyed in the assault.

In contrast, Mostafizur, who could not be reached for direct comment, alleged through associates that his supporters were victims of violence earlier. He claimed that 15 to 20 of his followers were injured in an attack led by Ruhul's brother, Rezaul Karim Reza, on Monday.