10 injured in BNP factional clashes in Ctg

At least 10 BNP men were injured in a series of clashes between two factions of the party in Raozan upazila of Chattogram last night.

Several motorbikes were set on fire during the violence.

According to police and local sources, the clashes erupted in multiple areas, including Noazishpur Union's Adud Chowdhury Eidgah ground, Yusuf Dighi Par, and Gahira Choumuhani.

The conflict involved supporters of Giasuddin Quader Chowdhury and Chattogram district (north) BNP Convener Golam Akbar Khondokar.

Witnesses said the tension began when the Golam Akbar group organised an iftar party at Adud Chowdhury Eidgah, attended by local BNP leaders and activists.

Around 5:00pm, a group of 10 to 20 motorbike riders arrived and demanded that the event be stopped, leading to an argument.

The situation quickly escalated into a violent clash, injuring one person.

Locals said they have heard gun shots during the clash.

Upon receiving information, police rushed to the scene, dispersing the groups.

The leaders and activists broke their fast at a nearby mosque. However, after the Maghrib prayer, clashes reignited, and at least five motorbikes were torched at Yusuf Dighi Par.

Monirul Islam, officer-in-charge of Raozan Police Station, told The Daily Star, "Before iftar, police dispersed both groups, but they clashed repeatedly after iftar. Our initial investigation suggests that the Golam Akbar group organised the iftar mahfil, but their rivals attempted to stop it, triggering the violence. We have no reports of gunfire."

He added, "If anyone files a complaint, legal action will be taken accordingly."

The bullet-injured victim is Abdul Kaiyum, 28, a supporter of Golam Akbar, locals said.

The other injured individuals were taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) for treatment.

As of the filing of this report, tensions remained high in Raozan upazila, according to police.