20 injured in Patuakhali AL infighting

At least 20 people were injured in a factional clash between two groups of the local Awami League in Bauphal upazila of Patuakhali this afternoon.

Boga UP Chairman Hasan Mahmud (35) and Bauphal Press Club General Secretary Ohiduzzaman Duke were among the injured, reports our Patuakhali correspondent, quoting eyewitnesses.

The incident happened in front of the Bauphal Awami League office around 3:30 pm centring the speech of a suspended AL leader during a meeting of the upazila unit AL. The meeting was called to nominate AL mayor candidate for the Bauphal Municipality election scheduled to be held on January 31. 

Witnesses said the clash ensued between the supporters of Bauphal AL General Secretary and Upazila Chairman Abdul Motaleb Hawlader and Bauphal AL Joint General Secretary Ibrahim Faruk.

Abdul Motaleb Hawlader claimed supporters of Ibrahim Faruk attacked his followers with sharp weapons when he opposed Bauphal AL president ASM Feroz's nephew Enamul Haque alias Alkach Mollah to deliver his speech in the meeting as Enamul was suspended from the AL recently for breaching party discipline.

Enamul Haque was elected Chandradeep UP chairman as an AL rival candidate in yesterday's election. 

However, the correspondent could not reach Bauphal AL president ASM Feroz and joint general secretary Ibrahim Faruk for their comments in this regard despite repeated calls to their mobile phones.

Md Al Mamun, officer-in-charge of Bauphal Police Station said they will take necessary steps after getting a written complaint in this regard.