Chuadanga: A man lost his life and at least six individuals sustained injuries during two violent clashes between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami activists at Hasadah Bazar in Jibannagar upazila of Chuadanga. The deceased, Hafizur Rahman, 55, owner of a jewelry shop in Jibannagar town, was also the elder brother of Jamaat’s Banka union unit ameer.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Hafizur succumbed to his injuries around 2:30am while receiving treatment at Islami Bank Hospital in Dhaka. The clashes, which originated from a longstanding rivalry, erupted in front of Kamil Madrasha gate at Hasadah Bazar between 7pm and 9pm on Saturday, shortly after iftar.
Witnesses reported that the initial confrontation was followed by another outbreak of violence when activists from Hasadah and neighboring Banka unions regrouped at the market. During the second altercation, BNP activists allegedly assaulted Jamaat ameer Mofizur Rahman, and when his brother Hafizur intervened, he too was attacked.
Both brothers were initially treated at Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex before being transferred to Jashore 250-bed General Hospital. As their conditions worsened, they were airlifted to Dhaka, where Hafizur ultimately passed away.
In response to the violence, police forces were dispatched to the scene to restore order and aid the injured. Additional police have since been stationed in the area to avert further clashes.
The list of injured individuals includes Jamaat activists Mofizur Rahman, Khairul Islam, and Sohel, with some requiring treatment at Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex. On the BNP side, Abdus Salam Master, Mehedi Hasan, and Jasmin Uddin were among those injured.
Compounding the situation, BNP’s Banka Union general secretary was reportedly attacked when attempting to file a complaint at Jibannagar police station. Police intervened to ensure his safety and facilitated his medical treatment.