10 injured as BNP-JCD activists clash in Narayanganj

At least 10 people were injured in a clash between supporters of a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader and a former Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leader in Narayanganj's Siddhirganj over establishing local supremacy and controlling the jhoot (garment waste) sector in the EPZ area.

The clash broke out at the Adamjee area this afternoon, escalating into multiple confrontations with gunshots fired during the violence, according to eyewitnesses.

Police and witnesses said the conflict erupted between followers of Manir Hossain, former general secretary of BNP's Ward No 6 unit under Narayanganj city, and supporters of Rakibur Rahman Sagar, former president of JCD's Narayanganj city unit.

Around 4:15pm, Manir's followers allegedly attacked some of Sagar's supporters in front of a garment factory inside Adamjee EPZ. The incident quickly led to a chase and counter-chase, turning into a full-scale clash that lasted for at least one hour.

Both parties fired from firearms during the clash, eyewitnesses said.

Later, police and army personnel intervened to bring the situation under control.

A local journalist, Tofazzal Hossain, was also injured during the clash and is currently undergoing treatment at the Narayanganj 300-bed Hospital, according to his colleagues.

During the violence, several motorcycles were set on fire, and multiple shops were vandalised. A journalist's motorcycle was also torched, spreading panic among the locals.

Speaking to The Daily Star over the phone, Chhatra Dal leader Rakibur Rahman Sagar said, "Even though Awami League leaders have fled the area, their collaborators are still controlling the criminal groups. They are preventing people from running businesses peacefully. In the afternoon, some of our Chhatra Dal activists were attacked inside the EPZ by criminals loyal to BNP leader Manir Hossain. Later, locals resisted them."

Sagar claimed that former city Chhatra Dal vice president Manik Mia, former assistant organisational secretary Md Mohon, and former senior vice president of Siddhirganj unit Chhatra Dal Md Arif were among those injured and receiving treatment.

However, Manir Hossain's nephew, Ruhul Amin, who identified himself as a BNP activist, countered the allegation.

"The EPZ was previously controlled by Jubo League leader and former Narayanganj City Corporation councillor Matiur Rahman, who is currently in jail. Now, Chhatra Dal leader Sagar is trying to take over the EPZ. There was a scuffle inside the EPZ between our people and Sagar's men, which later escalated. Sagar and his group attacked us with firearms and sharp weapons," Ruhul claimed.

Ruhul said several of their supporters, including Rabiul, Ibrahim, Sakib, Sabbir, Iqbal, Rony, and Russell, were injured in the attack.

When asked, Siddhirganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shahinur Alom told The Daily Star, "The clash initially began as a scuffle over the control of the jhoot business inside the EPZ. It later escalated, and we received reports of gunfire. At least 10 people from both sides were injured. The situation was brought under control after police and army personnel intervened."

Legal actions would be taken following an investigation, the police official added.