Over 50 injured in clash over Habiganj power struggle

The clash occurs between supporters of a local BNP leader and those of an Awami League leader

Over 50 people have been injured in a clash between two sides vying for power in Habiganj’s Ajmirganj Upazila.

When the incident was reported, police went to the scene and brought the situation under control with the help of locals.

The clash occurred from 8:30am to 10:30am on Friday in Noagar village in Jalshukha Union, according to ABM Maidul Hasan, chief of Ajmirganj Police Station.

The injured have been sent to various hospitals, including the nearby Baniachong Upazila Health Complex and Habiganj Sadar Hospital.

Five of the injured, who are in serious condition, have been sent to Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital. However, the names and identities of the injured have yet to be confirmed.

Police and witnesses said that BNP leader Akhter Mia and supporters of Awami League leader Shajahan Mia alias Shajahan Member have developed a long-term feud for rural dominance in the area.

On Tuesday, one of Akhter’s supporters went to stop a family quarrel of one of Shajahan's supporters. Shajahan’s supporters then beat him. Tensions between the two groups have run high for the past two days over the incident.

Both sides clashed with local weapons on Friday morning, leading to injuries on both sides.

OC Maidul said that the situation in the area has returned to normal and police have been deployed at the scene.