Rivals assault Barguna convener, seven others at party meeting

Barguna BNP Convener Motiur Rahaman Talukder and seven others were assaulted allegedly by their rival party men during a meeting of the district unit at its office in the town yesterday.
Sources said the trouble began when a faction led by Joint Convener Faruk Mollah swooped on the meeting called by district Convener Motiur Rahaman Talukder-led faction at around 1:30pm.
Police and witnesses said the activists of the two rival factions used lethal weapons, hurled brickbats and chased each other during the clash that continued for half an hour.
Police clubbed the clashing groups and brought the situation under control with the help of some other BNP leaders.
The injured are undergoing treatment at Barguna General Hospital and different clinics in the town.
District Convener Motiur Rahaman Talukder blamed the 'expelled' party men for the incident. “Some unruly people who were earlier expelled from the party for anti-organisational activities launched the attack,” he said.
He further said the chairperson announced the new convening committee as per party constitution and opposing the committee will be considered as breach of discipline.
Leaders of the Faruk Mollah-led faction claimed that their rivals attacked them when they were trying to bring out a procession demanding formation of a new district committee with the dedicated leaders.
No case was lodged with Barguna Sadar Police Station in connection with the incident as of filing of this report at 6:30pm yesterday.