15 injured as rival BNP factions clash in Brahmanbaria; crude bombs explode

At least 15 people were injured as two rival BNP factions clashed and several crude bombs exploded in Brahmanbaria’s Kasba Upazila this afternoon (7 November).

The clash took place at the upazila’s Kadamtali area during programmes marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day.

The identities of the injured could not be known immediately.

Confirming the matter, Ali Md Rashed, officer-in-charge of Kasba Police Station, said police brought the situation under control.

Kasba Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Chhamiul Islam said both factions had programmes marking the day. “Although both sides had said they would hold their programmes peacefully, they later clashed.”

The clash was brought under control through efforts of law enforcers, and the situation is now calm, the UNO added.

According to locals, the upazila BNP brought out a procession in the afternoon from in front of Araibari Darbar Sharif, led by its General Secretary Shariful Haque Swapan. Leaders and activists of the upazila BNP and its associate bodies took part, and the procession ended at Kadamtali intersection.

A brief discussion was underway after the procession ended when another BNP group, whose members are known to be followers of Brahmanbaria-4 lawmaker Mushfiqur Rahman, arrived. Tension between the two factions escalated into a chase and counter-chase before turning into a clash.

Activists from both factions exploded several crude bombs during the fighting.