20 injured, inc 2 shot, in clash between BNP's front organisations in Rupganj

Narayanganj, 28 Jan  – A violent clash between Chhatra Dal and Swecchashebak Dal, the BNP's student and volunteer fronts respectively, over local  influence centring a disputed shop left at least 20 people injured, including two with gunshot wounds, in the Saoghat area of Golakandail union in Rupganj on Tuesday afternoon.

The clash saw vandalism and arson, with a jeep and 10 motorcycles set on fire. Injured individuals, including Rafi Ahmed Swapan and Raju Bhuiyan, who sustained bullet injuries, were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

According to eyewitnesses and locals, the dispute arose over a warehouse at Bismillah Arat on land adjacent to the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway. Businessman Mojibur Rahman claimed he had rented the land from Selim Pradhan, chairman of Japan-Bangladesh Group, for 10 years under a contract.

Mojibur alleged that Selim was trying to evict him using force. On the other hand, Selim accused Mojibur of fabricating the contract and occupying the land illegally.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mehedi Islam said, “There has been a longstanding dispute over the land. We are working to recover any firearms used during the incident. No arrests have been made yet.”

The tensions escalated when former district Chhatra Dal vice-president Masudur Rahman, aligned with Selim, reportedly positioned his supporters near Selim’s house.

Simultaneously, district Swecchashebak Dal joint convener Rafiqul Islam, who sided with Mojibur, led procession near the disputed warehouse.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Saiful Islam, accompanied by joint forces, intervened to bring the situation under control. “We are investigating the incident and will take action against those involved,” said the UNO.