A violent clash, including chases, counter-chases, and gunfire, broke out between two factions of the BNP in Ashulia, Savar, over control of the jhut (fabric scrap) business and an attempt to seize a truck loaded with jhut.
The incident occurred around 3pm on Sunday on the Jamgora-Bagbari regional road near Jamgora Chowrasta in the upazila.
During the clash, a 16-year-old boy named Kaptan Mia was shot.
He is the son of Md Dalim from Habiganj and works as a sales assistant at a local shop.
Additionally, another person, Sheikh Abu Jafar, was injured by thrown bricks during the confrontation.
Hospital confirms gunshot injury
HM Asaf Uddoula Rizvi, assistant manager of the Ashulia Women and Children Hospital, said: "A teenager named Kaptan was brought to our hospital with a gunshot wound. He was shot in the back and is currently undergoing treatment."
Cause of the clash
Locals reported that Bakul Bhuiya, Vice President of the Ashulia Thana Tati Dal, had long been in charge of collecting jhut from Priti Composite Textile Limited, a company under the Priti Group, in the Jamgora area.
However, recently, former Jubo Dal leader Sharif Chowdhury attempted to take over the jhut business.
Sharif Chowdhury is known as a supporter of former MP Dewan Md Salahuddin Babu from the Dhaka-19 constituency.
On Sunday, as Bakul Bhuiya’s men were transporting jhut from the factory, Sharif Chowdhury’s men allegedly fired at the truck and attempted to seize it.
This led to a chase, counter-chase, violent clashes, and an exchange of gunfire between both factions.
A local source claimed that although Bakul Bhuiya had a contract with the factory, the jhut business was controlled by his son, Roni Bhuiya, a local Jubo League leader.
During the clash, Roni Bhuiya’s men were reportedly present.
Statements from the involved parties
Bakul Bhuiya said: "I have a legitimate contract with the factory. In the morning, I heard that Sharif Chowdhury’s men were causing trouble in front of the factory. I informed the police, and with their help, my men were able to transport the jhut out of the factory. However, when the truck reached Sharif Chowdhury’s house, they started shooting from their rooftop and even set the truck on fire. Their gunfire injured two of our men, including a worker named Monju."
When asked about his son Roni Bhuiya’s involvement, Bakul replied: "Roni has not been in the area for the past three months."
Rakibul, Deputy General Manager of Priti Composite Textile Limited, clarified: "There was no trouble inside our factory premises. We heard that the clash happened outside."
He added: "We have a contract with Bakul Bhuiya for jhut collection, and he collects it as per the agreement."
Police investigation underway
Additional Superintendent of Police (Savar Circle), Md Shahinur Kabir, confirmed: "From what we have learned, a clash occurred between Roni Bhuiya’s and Sharif Chowdhury’s men over jhut transportation, resulting in gunfire and a gunshot injury. Police are investigating the incident, identifying those involved, and taking legal action accordingly."
