At least 22 people were injured in a clash between two BNP factions over establishing dominance in Faridpur’s Bhanga Upazila on Sunday.

The incident occurred in the morning in Khairdia village of Gharua Union.

The identities of the injured are not yet known.

Among them, 14 people were seriously injured and admitted to the Bhanga Upazila Health Complex, while the others received primary treatment locally.

According to police and local sources, the conflict stems from a long-standing dispute between Anwar Hossain, the general secretary of BNP's Gharua Union, and Karim Mollah, the president of the Krishak Dal in Ward No. 8 of Gharua Union.

The tension escalated following a Krishak Dal rally on January 25 in Gharua Union, which was attended by Shahidul Islam Babul, the general secretary of the Central Krishak Dal. During the rally, followers of BNP leader Anwar obstructed the Krishak Dal procession in Khairdia village, leading to a standoff between the two groups.

In addition, Anwar Hossain organised a Khichuri feast on Saturday, joined by local Awami League leaders, which added to the growing tensions.

On Sunday morning, Anwar’s group gathered for practice in Sharifabad Bazaar. Fearing retaliation, supporters of Karim Mollah closed their shops and fled.

The situation escalated when Anwar's group moved towards Mollah's house, prompting a counter-chase by Mollah’s supporters. A violent clash broke out, with both sides throwing bricks and stones, leaving 22 people including men and women injured.

On information, the Bhanga Police Station intervened and brought the situation under control.

Karim Mollah, president of the Krishak Dal in Ward No. 8, claimed that since August 5, he and his followers have been harassed by Anwar’s group, who are allegedly backed by Awami League members.

Mollah added that on January 25, they were prevented from holding their Krishak Dal procession, and his house was surrounded by Anwar’s group and Awami League supporters.

In response, Mollah’s group chased them away to protect their honour.

On the other hand, BNP leader Anwar Hossain accused Nixon Chowdhury’s supporters, Niru Khalifa’s group, of attacking and injuring their party members.

Mokhlesur Rahman downplayed the incident as a village conflict over dominance, rather than a political issue.

He said that while a few people were injured, no party has yet filed a complaint with the police station.

Police forces have been deployed in the area, and legal action will be taken if a complaint is lodged, he added.