A clash between supporters of the Awami League and the BNP over a soft drink bottle cap led to gunfire, injuries and arson in Kushtia's Kumarkhali upazila on Sunday.
The incident took place in the Ber Kalua Jame Mosque area of Kaya union from 5pm to 1:30am.
The injured were Md Rabbi, 22, of Radhagram, Azam Sheikh, 54, Md Obaidullah, 30, Joni Sheikh, 20, Sharuf Sheikh, 20, of Ber Kalua village, Jahangir Alam, 45, and Md Shafiuddin, 65. Rabbi, Joni, Azam and Sharuf are undergoing treatment at Kushtia General Hospital after being shot, while the others received primary treatment.
Police and local sources said a long-standing dispute over fishing in the Padma River, illegal sand extraction, extortion, and control of territory existed between supporters of ward BNP president Rashidul Islam and the faction of Yarul Sheikh, a local Awami League activist and serdar of the Ber Kalua fishermen's quarter.
In the morning, Ratan Sheikh, a supporter of Yarul, threw away a bottle cap after drinking a soft drink. The cap hit a man known as Cassette in the head. When Cassette scolded him, Ratan beat him. Cassette later told his son Mamon about the incident at home.
When Mamon went to ask why his father had been beaten, Ratan also assaulted him. At that time, Alam Sheikh, a supporter of BNP leader Rashidul, slapped Ratan, triggering tension.
Local people later settled the matter and sent everyone back home. In the afternoon, however, Ratan, Yarul Sheikh, Naser Uddin and their associates carried out a surprise attack in the Ber Kalua Jame Mosque area with local and firearms, leaving at least 7 supporters of Rashidul injured by gunshots.
Around 1:30am, local people suddenly saw Ratan Sheikh's house on fire. Police and the Fire Service later brought the blaze under control, but the residential house and furniture were burnt. The cause of the fire was not immediately known. No one was inside the house at the time.
Several video clips of the attack circulated on Facebook on Sunday night, drawing widespread discussion. The clips show more than 50 people running across farmland, many wearing helmets and carrying shields, spears, sticks and firearms.
Joni, Rabbi and Sharuf received treatment for pellet injuries to their hands, chests and legs. Md Rabbi said: “On Sunday morning, there was a scuffle with the rival side’s Ratan over throwing the bottle cap. In the afternoon, Ratan attacked with his group led by Yarul the terrorist. I have received countless pellets on my chest, hands and legs.”
Joni Sheikh said: “We were 10-12 people chatting in the field beside the mosque. Then Yarul Sheikh of the fishermen's quarter, Naser Uddin, Sohel and several hundred terrorists launched a surprise attack with local weapons, pistols and shotguns.”
Hossain Imam, residential medical officer of Kushtia General Hospital, said 4 people with gunshot injuries were admitted to the hospital. One of them, Rabbi, was referred to Dhaka after being shot in the chest.
Alam Sheikh, speaking on behalf of Rashidul's side, said Ratan brought in miscreants from another village and attacked over a trivial issue. He said they later set fire to their own house after hearing that wounded Rabbi was in critical condition.
Rashidul Islam said: “Awami League activist Yarul, the main accused in the police murder case in the Padma river, Sohel Rana, brother of former general secretary of the union Awami League Jahangir, and the terrorist Naser Uddin carried out a surprise attack on my people. As a result, 7 people were shot. Preparations for a case are under way.”
Kumarkhali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Jamal Uddin said: “We have initially learned that the attack and shooting took place over a previous enmity. Several people were injured and are undergoing treatment at hospital. Additional police have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order. Legal action will be taken if a written complaint is filed.”