Clash between BNP-Jamaat activists in Bauphal leaves 4 injured

PNN News Desk, Patuakhali 

In Patuakhali’s Bauphal Upazila, clashes erupted in two separate unions between activists and supporters of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. Four individuals from both sides were injured in the incidents. Simultaneously, a shopkeeper was arrested by joint forces after domestic weapons were recovered from his shop.

The incidents occurred on Monday (February 9) evening and late night in Kalaiya and Keshabpur unions. Among the injured were Raihan (17) and Faruk Hawladar (45) from Kalaiya Union, and Naim (29) and Saeed (31) from Keshabpur Union. Raihan and Faruk Hawladar, who were seriously injured, were sent to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal after initial treatment.

According to local residents and eyewitnesses, tension arose in Aynabaj Kalaiya village of Kalaiya Union during a Jamaat-e-Islami rally when a BNP supporter shouted slogans. Initially, there was verbal altercation, which later escalated into a physical clash. As more party activists gathered at the scene, the conflict spread further.

During this time, allegations of attacks on a BNP election camp also surfaced. Raihan, a Chhatra Dal activist, was seriously injured in the clash. The situation was brought under control when joint forces arrived. During a raid, two domestic weapons (ramda) were recovered from a local shop, and the shopkeeper Sohel was arrested and taken to the police station.

On the same night, Faruk Hawladar, a Jamaat supporter, was reportedly assaulted in Kalaiya Union. Jamaat leaders alleged that some Chhatra Dal members attacked him, although the Chhatra Dal leadership denied the accusation.

Bauphal Police Station OC (Investigation) Atikul Islam stated that one person has been arrested and weapons recovered in connection with the clash. He added that legal action will be taken following written complaints and investigation.