BNP factions clash in Tangail's Kalihati

Several BNP supporters were allegedly injured as two groups clashed in Tangail's Kalihati bus stand area this afternoon.

A group led by Benzir Ahmed Titu, assistant organising secretary of Dhaka division BNP, brought out a victory procession from Kalihati RS Pilot High School premises on the occasion of August 5. Another group, led by Lutfar Rahman Matin, a member of BNP's executive committee, and a few other local leaders was holding a rally in the bus stand area on the same occasion.

Witnesses said when Titu's procession was going through the area, the two groups locked in a clash followed by a chase and counter chase -- leaving several people from both sides injured.

Five supporters of Titu received treatment at Kalihati and Tangail Sadar Hospitals, one group claimed.

Photo: Collected

"When Titu's procession was crossing the Kalihati bus stand area, supporters of Lutfor Rahman Matin, Shukur Mahmud, Shah Alam, Abdul Halim, Ali Akbar Jabbar, and Abdul Awal -- accompanied by Awami League supporters -- obstructed our procession and launched an attack," Kalihati upazila BNP Senior Vice-President Md Majnu Mia alleged.

He claimed 10-15 activists were injured and are currently receiving treatment at Kalihati and Tangail Sadar hospitals.

"We will decide on legal action after consulting with our senior leadership," he added.

Meanwhile, former Kalihati upazila BNP convener Shukur Mahmud Talukder, at a press briefing at the party office near the bus stand, refuted the claims.

"We were holding a peaceful rally when Benzir Ahmed Titu and his group, accompanied by Awami League supporters, marched past our gathering and launched a planned assault on our activists," he said.

According to Shukur, local residents chased away the attackers, and several of his supporters were injured in the scuffle.

Contacted, Md Jakir Hossain, officer-in-charge of Kalihati Police Station, said police went to the spot and brought the situation under control.

"No complaints were lodged over the incident. We will take action once a complaint is filed," he said.