A clash between supporters of the Awami League and BNP in Sadekpur Union of Bhairab Upazila, Kishoreganj, has resulted in the death of one person.
The incident occurred this Wednesday afternoon in Mendipur village between supporters of Upazila Awami League committee member Shefaet Ullah and former Upazila BNP vice-president Tofazzal Hossain.
The deceased was identified as Zahirullah, 50, known as a supporter of Shefaet Ullah.
According to local sources, Shefaet Ullah is the current chairman of Sadekpur Union Parishad, elected with the Boat symbol, while Tofazzal Hossain is a former chairman of the same union.
Both are residents of Moutupi village in the union and have had a long-standing rivalry and political conflict, leading to multiple clashes annually.
Several people have been killed in these conflicts over the years. Until Sheikh Hasina left the country, Sadekpur Union was under Shefaet Ullah's control.
After Sheikh Hasina left, Tofazzal Hossain became active in the area. On Tuesday afternoon, he organized a rally and meeting, challenging and warning Shefaet Ullah.
Tensions escalated in Mendipur village following the meeting. On Wednesday noon, supporters from both sides clashed with sticks and other weapons. During the clash, Zahirullah was fatally injured by a spear to his chest.
Bulbul Ahmed, the health and family planning officer at Bhairab Upazila Health Complex, said that Zahirullah had been pierced by a spear and died before reaching the hospital.
Attempts to contact Shefaet Ullah by phone were unsuccessful.
However, his supporters claimed that Tofazzal’s men attacked Awami League supporters' homes, taking advantage of the current situation, and that Zahirullah was killed during this attack.
Tofazzal Hossain denied any involvement in the Mendipur village clash, claiming that his name is being falsely implicated to accuse him of murder.
Additionally, the ongoing unrest in the country has led to an incident where Bhairab Police Station was set on fire, causing police officers to flee the station.
Efforts to contact Bhairab Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shafiqul Islam for details about the clash were unsuccessful.
