More than 50 people were injured in a clash between supporters of the Awami League (AL) and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Ajmiriganj upazila’s Naogaon village in Habiganj on Friday.
Of the injured, five who were in critical condition are now receiving treatment at Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital. Others received primary treatment at Baniachang Upazila Health Complex and Habiganj Sadar Hospital.
According to police and local sources, tensions had been simmering for a long time between supporters of BNP leader Akhtar Mia and Awami League’s Shahjahan Mia, also known as Shahjahan Member, over establishing dominance in the area.
The situation escalated following a family dispute on April 22, during which a supporter of Akhtar Mia was allegedly assaulted by followers of Shahjahan. The incident further fueled hostilities between the two groups.
On Friday morning, both sides reportedly engaged in a violent clash wielding locally made weapons, which lasted for about two hours. At least 50 people were reportedly injured during the violence, locals said.
On information, police rushed to the spot and managed to bring the situation under control, said ABM Maidul Hasan, officer-in-charge (OC) of Ajmiriganj Police Station.
“Additional forces have been deployed in the area to prevent further unrest,” said the OC.