One person has been killed and six others injured in a clash between two factions of the BNP in Badargonj, Rangpur, allegedly over establishing dominance in the area.
The clash, which involved repeated chases and counter-chases, broke out on Saturday afternoon, confirmed Badargonj police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) ATM Atiqul Rahman.
OC Atiqul confirmed the death, saying that the victim, Labhlu Mia, 48, succumbed to his injuries around 5:15pm while undergoing treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital.
Labhlu was the son of Mohsin Mia from Razarampur village in Modhupur union of Badargonj upazila.
Following the clash, the BNP served show-cause notices to three local leaders: former joint secretary of Badargonj upazila BNP Shahidul Haque Manik, former MP Mohammad Ali Sarkar, and senior joint convener of the upazila BNP Humayun Kabir Manik.
They have been asked to appear in person and provide written explanations within 72 hours for their alleged involvement in anti-organizational activities.
According to police and eyewitnesses, the clash began around noon in Badargonj town between supporters of local BNP leader and Kalupur Union Parishad Chairman Shahidul Haque Manik and those of BNP leader Mohammad Ali.
Both groups were armed with local weapons and engaged in violent confrontation, which eventually spread throughout the town. As panic gripped the area, shops were shut down.
The violence continued in broad daylight for about an hour and a half, spreading panic among residents. Business owners fled to safety, and armed processions with homemade weapons continued until around 2pm.
The situation only began to stabilize after the army arrived and, with police support, took position throughout the town.
District BNP Joint Convener Anisur Rahman Laku said: “Show-cause notices have been served to Shahidul Haque Manik, former MP Mohammad Ali Sarkar, and Humayun Kabir Manik for their alleged involvement in the Badargonj incident. They have been asked to appear in person and provide a written explanation within 72 hours.”
Former MP Mohammad Ali Sarkar, also a member of the Badargonj upazila BNP, claimed he had no knowledge of the clash.
However, he mentioned that on Friday night, BNP leader Shahidul Haque Manik’s son, Tanvir Ahmed Tamal, made a Facebook post labeling him as a "dacoit leader" and wrote other objectionable comments.
He added that he would respond to the party’s show-cause notice in due time.
Attempts to reach the other two BNP leaders, Shahidul Haque Manik and Humayun Kabir Manik, were unsuccessful as their phones were found switched off.
OC Atiqul said that the situation is now under control.
Action will be taken following a proper investigation if a written complaint is submitted, he added.