18 bullet-hit in AL factional clash

At least 18 people sustained bullet injuries in a gunfight between two factions of the ruling Awami League (AL) in Banshkhali upazila of Chittagong yesterday.

The bullet-hit AL men were admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH), confirmed Silbroto Barua, assistant sub-inspector of CMCH police outpost.

The gun battle started around 5:30pm following a clash between the followers of lawmaker from Banshkhali Mostafizur Rahman Chowdhury and local AL leader Abdullah Kabir Liton in municipality area, said Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) of Chittagong (South) AKM Emran Bhuiyan.

Liton, also a nephew of late AL leader Akhtaruzzaman Chowdhury Babu, was heading for a programme organised by Akhtaruzzaman Smriti Sangsad commemorating the late AL leader.  Liton is the chief adviser of the Sangsad.

Meanwhile, followers of Mostafizur, also president of the upazila AL unit, intercepted Liton's convoy, resulting in a clash and subsequently a gun battle between the two groups, said ASP Emran Bhuiyan. At least, 18 AL activists from both the groups sustained bullet injuries, he added.

Witnesses said several vehicles were also vandalised during the clash.

Officer-in-Charge of Banshkhali Police Station Alamgir Hossain said on information they rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control by dispersing the fighting groups.

The Daily Star tried to contact Mostafizur to get his version. But he did not pick up the phone despite repeated attempts.

However, Liton, a member of Banshkhali upazila AL unit, claimed that supporters of Mostafizur had "opened fire" on his motorcade when they reached near Mostafizur's residence on the way to the commemorating programme, leaving "several of his supporters bullet-hit".