Clash between two BNP factions in Austagram , 25 injured
Photo: Agamir Somoy
At least 25 people were injured in a clash between two factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Kishoreganj’s Austagram over the control and lease of the Bilmaksha waterbody.
The clash took place from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Friday in the Akhra Bazar area of Purba Austagram Union in the upazila.
Local sources said the upazila administration invited tenders a few days ago to lease the Bilmaksha waterbody. Upazila BNP President Syed Sayeed Ahmed and Organizing Secretary S M Shahin took part in the tender process. S M Shahin is currently the highest bidder in the tender process.
Tension between the two factions over the waterbody has continued since then. The tension increased further after reports spread that followers of Upazila BNP President Syed Sayeed Ahmed were preparing to take control of the waterbody and catch fish. After several days of tension, the two factions clashed in the Akhra Bazar area around noon Friday.
At least 25 people from both factions were injured in the clash. The injured were taken to Austagram Upazila Health Complex and several other hospitals.
Aminul Islam, Resident Medical Officer of the health complex, said 22 people had received treatment by 2:00 p.m. Friday. Five of them were admitted to the hospital. One critically injured person was referred to Kishoreganj General Hospital.
Upazila BNP Organizing Secretary S M Shahin said he leased the Bilmaksha waterbody last year. He also became the highest bidder in this year’s tender process. However, he alleged that the Upazila BNP president was obstructing the process in various ways.
He alleged that after failing through legal means, local people were being incited to loot the waterbody. He also claimed that his followers were attacked Friday.
Upazila BNP President Syed Sayeed Ahmed denied the allegations made by S M Shahin. He claimed that Shahin’s supporters attacked his people first.
Meanwhile, it was learned that the administration has not yet handed over the Bilmaksha waterbody to either party.
Austagram Police Station Officer in Charge Mohammad Rokonuzzaman said police went to the scene after receiving information about the clash and brought the situation under control. The situation is currently normal. He said necessary action would be taken after an investigation if a written complaint is filed in connection with the incident.
