A.League attack on BNP in Bhangura; Injured 25, detained 4

At least 25 supporters of BNP were injured in an attack by Awami League activists and supporters in Bhangura, Pabna, over occupation of a local club.

As the condition of three of them is critical, two have been sent to Pabna General Hospital and the other to Dhaka. The rest have been admitted to Bhangura Upazila Health Complex.

The incident took place on Saturday (October 12) evening in Pukurpar village of Khanmrich union of the upazila. Army and police arrested four persons in this incident. However, the police could not confirm the political identity of the detainees.

Talking to the police and locals, it is known that there is a social organization (club) called "Uday Sangh" with more than hundred members in Pukurpar village of the upazila. The club was under the control of local BNP workers Salam Fakir, Shamsul Islas and Helal Uddin for a long time. Recently Khanmarich Union Awami League advisors Faizul Islam, Sanwar Hossain, Ahmed Ali, and Roshan Ali forcibly took the keys of the club from BNP activist Salam Fakir.

They were not satisfied with the control of the club. To discipline BNP leaders and activists, on Saturday evening, about a hundred Awami League leaders and activists organized and attacked Salam Fakir and his people with improvised domestic weapons. At least 25 BNP activists and supporters were seriously injured. Later they were admitted to Bhangura Upazila Health Complex.

The names of some of the people under treatment at the Upazila Health Complex have been revealed. They are residents of Pukurpar village and BNP workers Abul Kalam, Akram Hossain, Saddam Hossain, Abul Kalam-2, Gaziur Rahman, Abdul Jabbar, Iman Ali, Abdul Momin, Chhabbir Hossain, Shahin Hossain, Helal Uddin, Abu Taleb, Alo Pramanik. Besides, seriously injured Nirzab Ali, Shahadat Hossain, Chanwar Hossain have been shifted to Pabna and one named Abdul Malek has been shifted to Dhaka.

On receiving the information, police and army personnel visited the spot and arrested 4 people on suspicion of involvement. However, the police did not reveal their names.

As local Awami League leaders and activists fled the area in the incident, none of them were available for comment.

Former General Secretary of Bhangura Upazila BNP Noor Mujahid Swapan said, 'I have heard about the matter, but I don't know the details yet. I am busy with another matter in my area. I will let you know the details of the incident later.'

In this regard, Bhangura Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shafiqul Islam said, "The incident of attack took place due to a dispute over the keys of the club. Four of the attackers have been detained and are being interrogated. Details can be given later.

Bhangura upazila executive officer Nazmun Nahar said, "The injured are being given good treatment at the upazila health complex. Besides, seriously injured have been sent to Pabna and Dhaka for better treatment. Later, the matter will be investigated and legal action will be taken.