At least six people were shot when an Awami League procession was attacked on Saturday evening by a rival group  in Basurhat of Companiganj in Noakhali.

According to witnesses, supporters of Basurhat municipality Mayor Quader Mirza, brother of Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader brought out a procession on Saturday evening which was attacked by a rival group near ward no 9 of Basurhat at 7pm.

Six people were shot during the incident and were later admitted to Noakhali General Hospital.

Five of the wounded have been identified as, Sabuj(40), Mohammad Sunny (28), Delwar Hossain (26), Didar (35) and Jisan (23).

Companiganj Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mir Jahedul Haque Rony confirmed the news to UNB.

Also read: 2 killed, 15 hurt in Barishal Awami League factional clash

He also said that all the victims were supporters of Mayor Quader Mirza.

Supporters of Quader Mirza blamed Companiganj upazila unit Awami League Organising Secretary Mizanur Rahman Badal and his group behind the attack.

There has been a fierce rivalry between the supporters of these two local AL leaders which resulted in deadly factional clashes multiple times in the recent past.

An activist of Bangladesh Chhatra League was killed on March 9 and 30 other AL activists were injured during a clash between the same groups.

These casualties came within three weeks of the killing of journalist Muzakkir during the factional clash of ruling Awami League in Basurhat of Companiganj in Noakhali.

On Feb 20, at least 50 people were injured in a clash between the very same groups in Noakhali's Companiganj upazila.