One killed, 31 injured as AL factions clash in Faridpur

A man died and 31 others including four policemen were injured as two local groups of ruling Awami League (AL) engaged in a fierce clash at Goalpara village in Saltha upazila under the district on Sunday.

The clash followed an altercation between Sujan Matabbar, supporter of Shahidul Islam, chairman of Atghar Union Parishad (UP), also joint secretary of Saltha upazila unit of AL, and Nishan Kha, supporter of Shahidul's opponent Kausar Matabbar, on Saturday afternoon, locals said.

A group of  about 400 people led by Kausar with the supporters of Odud Matabbar, general secretary of Gati union unit of AL, and the supporters of Fakir Belayet Hossain, chairman of Kanaipur UP, from different villages of the two unions attacked the houses and shops of Shahidul Islam and his supporters yesterday morning, locals said.

Five houses were set afire and 17 shops at Goalpara Bazar were damaged and looted during the incident.

Hit with sharp weapons, farmer Jiar Ali, 27, son of Shahajuddin Sheikh of Goalpara village under Atghar union, died on the way to Faridpur Medical College Hospital.

Later police came and opened fire to bring the situation under control.

Thirty-one people including four policemen were injured during the clash.

Shahidul Islam, said, “Men of Kausar Matabbar with Odud Matabbar and Fakir Belayet Hossan attacked the houses and shops of me and my supporters with locally made sharp weapons. They killed Jiar Ali with sharp weapons and injured my 27 supporters.”

On the other hand, Fakir Belayet Hossan said, “I have no involvement with this clash. I have no friction with Shahidul Islam.” 

Subhash Chandra Saha, superintendent of police in Faridpur, said, “Police fired 40 rounds of bullets to bring the situation under control and arrested five people in connection with the clash that left one killed. Eight injured were admitted to Faridpur Medical College Hospital and others to Saltha Upazila Health Complex.”