Jhenaidah: Twelve people were injured in a clash between BNP and Jamaat activists in Madhabpur village of Jhenaidah Sadar upazila on Friday afternoon. Among the injured, six BNP members and one Jamaat activist were admitted to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital. BNP leader Taru Munsi, who was seriously injured, was sent to Dhaka for treatment.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Abdul Alim, the investigating officer at the Betai Police Camp, reported that Jamaat women activists had gathered at the house of Ohidul in Badhbapur village on Friday for talim (training). The gathering caught the attention of Ward BNP president Ilyas Hossain, who demanded an explanation, leading to an argument that escalated into a violent clash between the two groups. Several activists and supporters from both BNP and Jamaat were injured in the ensuing violence.
Local BNP leader Shahjahan Ali accused Jamaat women of attacking them with sticks, with male Jamaat supporters joining the assault. He alleged that Jamaat activists Ohidul, Tabibur, Abdul Hamid Nilu, Monirul, Nasir, and Plabon had been lying in wait with sticks and launched an attack on BNP members.
Following the clash, Jamaat supporters reportedly vandalized the BNP office in Ganna Union and damaged the homes of BNP leaders Shahjahan, Ilyas Hossain, Abul Kalam, and Taru Munsi. Abul Kalam, a leader of the BNP youth wing, stated that BNP members are currently unable to enter the village due to the violence.
Jamaat’s Sadar Upazila Amir, Dr. Habibur Rahman, countered the allegations, claiming that their women were organizing an Iftar party, which BNP members attempted to obstruct. He stated that 5-6 Jamaat supporters were injured in the violence, including one who sustained a head injury. Dr. Habibur further claimed that BNP members are interfering with Jamaat activities and threatening their leaders across the upazila, particularly in Kumrabaria, Kastashagra, and Naldanga.
Jhenaidah Additional Superintendent of Police Sheikh Billal Hossain announced that extra police personnel have been deployed in Madhabpur village to prevent further clashes, with officers actively patrolling the area to maintain peace.