A local leader of Bangladesh Nationalist Party was killed during an intra-party clash in Satkhira on Friday. At least 6 people were injured during the clash at Shilpakala Academy in the district town.
The dead was Amanullah Aman, general secretary of BNP’s fishermen wing Motshojibi Dal, when rival factions of the party locked into a clash at the workers’ conference in the morning.
The two groups were – supporters of district unit BNP President Habibul Islam and General Secretary Syed Iftekhar Ali.
They generated the clash over seating arrangements at the stage, moderating the programme and speech deliverance, witnesses said.
Injured Aman was rushed to Satkhira Sadar Hospital along with other wounded, but he was later shifted to Khulna Medical College Hospital as his condition deteriorated.
Aman succumbed to his injuries while being treated at the hospital in the afternoon.
District unit BNP General Secretary Syed Iftekhar Ali, district unit Sramik Dal (labour wing) President Adbus Samad, Abdul Alim of Torun Dal (youth wing), Aminul Islam, district unit Shecchashebok Dal (volunteers’ wing) Joint Secretary Abdus Salam and Abu Raihan were also injured during the clashes.
The clash foiled the programme that began around 11:30am. BNP International Affairs Secretary Nazimuddin Alam attended the function as chief guest.
As soon as the clash erupted, Shilpokola Academy premises and its adjoining areas has turned into a battle ground with both groups chasing and counter-chasing each other.
District unit BNP General Secretary Syed Iftekhar Ali claimed clashes broke out at the instruction of Satkhira BNP President former MP Habibul Islam.
“Supporters of Habib, armed with machete, Chinese axes and hockey-sticks, swooped on my activists and party leaders, leaving me and some others wounded,” he said.
Habibul Islam could not be reached over the phone for comments after repeated attempts.
Officer-in-Charge of Satkhira Sadar police station Shahjahan Ali Khan said they have made arrangements to bring Aman’s dead body to Satkhira.
“None from BNP has filed complaint in this regard so far,” he said.
