Clashes erupt between BNP-Jamaat supporters in Shariatpur, at least 4 injured

Clash broke out between supporters of BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami in Naria upazila of Shariatpur this morning, where at least 20 houses were vandalised and looted, and over a hundred crude bombs were set off.

At least four people were injured in the violence, according to police.

Police detained 10 people in drives conducted till 2:30pm.

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Officer-in-Charge Bahar Mia of Naria Police Station confirmed the incident, saying, “Two groups clashed with each other. Several crude bombs exploded. We rushed to the spot after receiving information and brought the situation under control. Both parties have made verbal allegations and have been asked to submit written complaints. Legal action will be taken after the investigation.”

Tensions had been brewing since clashes at the Rajnagar Jameul Ulum Dakhil Madrasa polling centre during the 13th national parliamentary election. The situation escalated further when Sabbir, son of a BNP supporter Hafiz Bhuiyan, was allegedly beaten this Sunday by Sohel Kazi, son of Jamaat supporter Md Chhorpan Kazi, along with his associates.

BNP supporters accused Jamaat activists of attacking their homes for backing BNP candidates.

Sarika Begum said her house was looted of cash and gold ornaments for supporting BNP in the election, while Chandraban Begum, who worked as a BNP polling agent, claimed rival groups vandalised her house.

Jamaat supporters, however, denied the allegations, saying the accusations were baseless and politically motivated.

"The allegations are false. My husband is a deed writer and was not present during the incident. The rival group attacked our house during last Eid. None of us were involved in the clash,” said Hasina Akter, wife of Jamaat supporter Babul Bepari and a reserved-seat female member.

Sharmin Begum, wife of Sohel Kazi’s brother, also rejected the accusations, saying, “Hafiz Bhuiyan is an extortionist. They have long been creating unrest in the area.”

Hridoy Radi, a Bangladeshi expatriate living in Malaysia, who was injured in the crude bomb explosions and is now undergoing treatment at Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, said, “I returned from Malaysia about a month ago on leave. I was standing at the spot when suddenly 5–6 crude bombs were hurled at me. I sustained injuries on the back of my leg.”