At least 15 injured as two BNP factions clash in Kasba, Brahmanbaria; cocktails explode

At least 15 people were injured in a clash between two factions of the BNP in Kasba, Brahmanbaria. The clash took place on Saturday afternoon (November 7) in the Kadamtali area of Kasba upazila. Several cocktails were exploded during the clash.

According to police and local sources, in the afternoon, on the occasion of National Revolution and Solidarity Day, a procession was brought out from in front of the local Araibari Darbar Sharif under the leadership of Kasba upazila BNP general secretary Shariful Haque Swapan. Leaders and activists of the upazila BNP and its associate organisations took part in the procession.

The procession ended at the local Kadamtali Mor area, where a brief discussion meeting was under way. At that time, another BNP group, known as followers of local MP Mushfiqur Rahman, arrived in the Kadamtali area, and after a phase of tension, a chase and counter-chase began between the two sides. It later turned into a clash.

Both sides exploded several cocktails during the clash. Panic spread across the entire Kadamtali area at that time.

At least 15 people from both sides were injured in the clash. However, the names and identities of the injured were not immediately known. They are being treated locally.

Ali Md Rashed, officer-in-charge of Kasba Police Station, said the two BNP factions had clashed, and police later brought the situation under control.

Kasba Upazila Nirbahi Officer Chhamiul Islam said both BNP factions had programmes on the occasion of National Revolution and Solidarity Day. Although both sides said they would hold their programmes peacefully, they later became involved in a clash.

The upazila nirbahi officer added that the clash was brought under control through the efforts of the law enforcement agencies, and the situation is now calm.

It is learnt that the two BNP factions in Kasba had separate programmes centred on the National Revolution and Solidarity Day observance. The two sides came face to face while the procession and discussion meeting were under way.

During the chase, counter-chase and clash at Kadamtali Mor, the sound of cocktail explosions spread panic in the area. Locals said a tense atmosphere prevailed in the area after the clash.

After police brought the situation under control, calm now prevails in the Kadamtali area, the upazila nirbahi officer said. The injured are being treated locally.