10 injured as BNP groups clash over nomination for Gazipur-1

The clash breaks out between supporters of BNP candidate Mujibur Rahman and those of Israr Siddique

At least 10 people have been injured in clashes between rival BNP factions in Kaliakair Upazila over the party’s nomination for the Gazipur-1 parliamentary constituency.

The violence broke out on Sunday evening in the Upazila headquarters between supporters of Mujibur Rahman, the party's pick and former mayor of Kaliakair municipality, and followers of Israr Siddique, a BNP district leader who was denied the nomination.

Several motorcycles were vandalised and set on fire during the clashes, said Md Shamim, an inspector at the Mouchak Police Outpost.

The injured were taken to local hospitals for treatment. Panic spread across the area in the aftermath.

Israr, member secretary of the district BNP, claimed that frustration had been growing among local activists over the nomination process.

“We had planned a peaceful protest to reflect the resentment among grassroots workers. But followers of Mujibur Rahman launched a sudden attack on our people. Some of our activists were even detained on the spot,” he said.

Mujibur, however, accused “miscreants” of targeting his campaign team.

“Our workers were carrying out electioneering in the area when they were suddenly attacked. Several motorcycles were vandalised and set ablaze,” he said.

Inspector Shamim confirmed the incident and said the situation was now under control.

“There was a clash between the two groups and multiple motorcycles were torched. Legal action is under way,” he added.