A union-level leader of the Krishak Dal was killed on Wednesday in a clash between Jamaat and BNP supporters in Bhaturia village of Kullyagacha, Harinakundu upazila, Jhenaidah, reportedly over a Facebook post.

The incident occurred around 8:30 pm.

The deceased, Abul Kashem, was the general secretary of the union’s Krishak Dal and the son of Abdul Latif Mondal of the same village.

Local Jubo Dal leader Saidur Rahman said Abul Kashem was beaten to death by Jamaat supporters while returning home from the market. He alleged that tensions had been rising in the village since before Eid, which escalated into a joint attack by Jamaat-e-Islami and Awami League members, resulting in the killing.

However, Kapashhatia Union Chairman Sharafuddoula Jhantu told UNB Wednesday night that the clash was over a minor dispute among members of the same family, which is divided between BNP and Jamaat.

Gulnahar Begum of Bhaturia village claimed that some people severely beat her son Abdul Aziz, which then escalated into a clash between BNP and Jamaat factions. She said her children were not involved in the killing, adding that her nephew Abul Kashem was killed when struck by a brick thrown by his uncle during the fight.

Ashraful Islam Pintu, general secretary of the district Jubo Dal, alleged that Abul Kashem was killed in a joint attack by Awami League and Jamaat supporters. He added that a similar killing had occurred earlier in Ganna Union, claiming that Jamaat had started a pattern of covert killings in Jhenaidah.

Babul Hossain, Ameer of Harinakundu Jamaat, denied the allegations, saying, The fight was among family members over a Facebook post. At one point, Abul Kashem was killed when hit by a brick thrown by his uncle Nazer Mondal. Jamaat was not involved in any way.

Harinakundu police station OC Golam Kibria confirmed hearing about a fight but said he only learned of the Krishak Dal leader’s death through social media.