At least 20 people were injured on Sunday in a clash between activists of BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami during rival processions in Chandradwip Union of Bauphal upazila under Patuakhali-2 constituency.
According to local sources, the violence erupted in the afternoon at Bhandaria Bazar when face-to-face processions of BNP and Jamaat supporters confronted each other, triggering a clash.
Around 20 people from both sides were injured on the spot.
The injured were admitted to Bauphal Upazila Health Complex for treatment. Chandradwip is a river- and sea-surrounded isolated area where supporters of BNP and Jamaat have frequently been involved in minor disputes over election campaigning in recent days. Sunday’s clash reportedly stemmed from such tensions.
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Jamaat candidate Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud alleged that BNP activists attacked his supporters while they were taking out a procession, leaving 15 of his workers injured.
BNP candidate Shahidul Alam Talukder claimed that one of his supporters was seriously injured and was being taken Barishal Medical College Hospital. He said he was not in a position to comment further at the moment.
Officer-in-Charge of Bauphal Police Station Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman said clashes occurred between the two groups in Chandradwip, leaving several people injured.
“The situation is now under control,” he said.
However, locals reported that tension remains high in the area.