Five injured, including member secretary, in clash between two BNP factions in Bauphal

A clash between two factions of the BNP broke out in Bauphal, Patuakhali, following a dispute centred on a procession held for National Revolution and Solidarity Day. At least five leaders and activists, including Upazila BNP Member Secretary Apel Mahmud Feroz, were injured.

National Revolution and Solidarity Day is observed on 7 November. On the occasion, a colourful rally was brought out on Saturday (7 November) afternoon on the initiative of the local BNP. The attack took place at around 8pm on the Bazar Bridge in Ward No. 7 of Bauphal municipality.

According to local and eyewitness sources, Upazila BNP Member Secretary Apel Mahmud Feroz asked former UP member Altaf Hossain, who was at the front of the rally, to move aside. An argument broke out between the two, and tension spread during the procession.

Eyewitnesses said that after the procession and discussion meeting ended, when Feroz reached the Bazar Bridge area at around 8pm, a group of eight to ten people led by Sadek, the son of Altaf Hossain, attacked him. At least five people, including Feroz, were injured in the attack with locally made weapons.

Apel Mahmud Feroz alleged that when he went onto the bridge to go to the market, eight to ten people led by Sadek, including Redwan, Rana and Nayan, attacked him. He alleged that 62,000 taka he was carrying was snatched from him at the time.

Sadek Hossain, however, denied the allegation of the attack. He said that when Apel Feroz pushed his father during the procession, a nail on his father's foot came off. When he went to ask Feroz about it, Feroz punched him and injured him. Sadek claimed that he had only pushed Feroz afterwards.

Sirajul Islam, officer-in-charge of Bauphal Police Station, said a complaint had been received in connection with the incident. Further action will be taken after an investigation, he said.