Clashes Erupt at Protest Rally in Muradnagar: At Least 35 Injured Including Journalists Amid Stone Pelting and Chase

Violent clashes broke out in Muradnagar, Cumilla, on Wednesday (30 July) during a protest rally organized to counter alleged “conspiracy and defamation” against Asif Mahmud Sojib Bhuiyan, Adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives. The chaos involved stone pelting and chase-counter chase between opposing political groups, leaving at least 35 people injured, including five journalists.

According to eyewitnesses, police, and local sources, the unrest stemmed from a protest held the previous day by supporters of BNP leader and former MP Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, who demanded the resignation of Adviser Asif Mahmud. In response, Asif’s supporters organized a counter-demonstration under the banner of “People of All Walks of Life in Muradnagar.”

At around 5 PM, a procession of Asif’s supporters started from the DR Government High School field and gathered on the southern side of Allah Chattar. Simultaneously, Kaikobad’s supporters positioned themselves in front of the BNP office on the northern side of the square. Both groups chanted slogans against each other. Suddenly, stones were thrown from the nearby District Council Market area toward Asif’s rally, triggering a violent clash.

Amid the melee, journalists present at the scene were assaulted. Among the injured were Abdullah Al Maruf (Star News), Shah Imran (Kholakagoj), A.S. Bappy (SA TV), and Fahim Muntasim (Naya Diganta). Maruf reported being beaten with an iron rod while being ordered to stop filming.

Asif’s supporters blamed Kaikobad’s followers for initiating the attack. Minajul Haque, convener of the Upazila Nagarik Samaj (Civic Society), said, “A few days ago, one of Kaikobad’s associates was arrested on extortion charges. Later, their supporters tried to snatch him from police custody, and a case was filed. Since then, they’ve been spreading false propaganda against Adviser Asif. Today’s peaceful protest turned violent after they launched a coordinated attack with hundreds of bricks.”

On the other hand, BNP’s Muradnagar unit convener Mahiuddin Anjon claimed, “Asif’s men, along with Awami League activists, attacked our rally near the party office. At least 15 of our activists were injured. They also chanted abusive slogans about our leader Kaikobad. Every time we announce a program, they respond with a counter-rally to create chaos.”

Shiekhor, a Union Parishad member who was seriously injured in the attack, said, “As we approached the rally point, we were suddenly attacked with bricks. I was struck in the head and beaten badly.”

Amin Kader Khan, Investigation Officer of Muradnagar Police Station, said, “While the NCP-backed rally was underway, some people began throwing bricks, leading to a confrontation between the two groups. Police were already on alert due to the potential for unrest and managed to bring the situation under control. Legal action will be taken after a full investigation.”

Following the clashes, additional police and army forces were deployed in the area. Shops were shut down and panic spread among locals as videos and photos of the incident circulated widely on social media.

The incident has intensified political tension in the area, and authorities have stated that security forces will remain vigilant to monitor and manage any further developments.