BNP-NCP clashes leave 10 people injured during ferry inauguration in Hatia

The clash occurred during the inauguration of a ferry service in the island Upazila of Noakhali

At least 10 people have been injured in clashes between activists of the BNP and the National Citizen Party (NCP) during the inauguration of a ferry service in Hatia, an island Upazila of Noakhali.

The confrontation broke out at around 3:30pm on Friday at the Nalchira Ferry Terminal, centring on a pre-announced programme of the shipping ministry, according to Hatia Police chief Md Saiful Alam.

Witnesses said the parties’ activists first locked in an argument over shouting slogans against each other, which eventually turned into a scuffle and clash.

Several of the injured were treated locally.

Nahid Uddin, a resident of the Nalchira Ferry Terminal locality, said: “The dispute arose over who would take credit for the ferry’s launch. At one point, it escalated into a fight, leaving several people injured.”

The NCP demanded the arrest of the attackers.

The BNP alleged that their activists were attacked and held the NCP responsible for the incident.

The NCP candidate Abdul Hannan Masud announced a plan to lay siege to the Hatia Police Station demanding the arrest of the attackers.

He alleged that the BNP candidate Mahbubur Rahman Shamim was using the criminals of the ousted Awami League to establish a reign of terror.

“Hatia people know well who patronises criminals,” said Shamim.

He demanded justice for the attack made on his activists.

Saiful said the situation is under control.