At least eight leaders and activists of Birulia Union unit of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal were injured in a clash during an alleged attempt to seize control of a garment factory in Savar on Sunday.

The injured were given treatment at a local clinic.

According to allegations, for the past five to six days, leaders and activists of the union Chhatra Dal had been gathering in the Jinjira area of Birulia Union with motorcycles, allegedly in preparation to take control of the jhut (scrap cloth) business of Titas Garment and Epic Garments Factory.

On Sunday afternoon, when Chhatra Dal activists allegedly tried to seize Titas Garment in Jinjira, local residents resisted. A clash later broke out between the two sides, leaving several people injured.

Among the injured are Birulia Union Chhatra Dal President Tuhin Ahmed, General Secretary Sabbir Hossain, Ward No. 1 President Shamsul Alam and Union Committee Member Billal Hossain.

Arman Ali, Officer-in-Charge of Savar Model Police Station, said police visited the scene after receiving information about the incident.

Local resident Shahidul Amin Nayan claimed that the union Chhatra Dal president and general secretary had been moving around the area with 20 to 22 motorcycles over the past few days. He alleged that they are followers of Abu Sayeed, president of the local Krishak Dal unit.

Contacted over the phone, Abu Sayeed said he is currently in Cox’s Bazar and is unaware of the matter.

Repeated attempts to contact Tuhin Ahmed and Sabbir Hossain were unsuccessful, as they disconnected calls after identifying the callers as journalists.

Administrative in-charge of Epic Factory Shafiqul Quader Munna said Chhatra Dal activists had visited their factory but no trouble occurred there. He added that he heard the clash took place at Titas Garment. Attempts to reach officials of Titas Garment for comment were unsuccessful.