Several injured as clash over ‘territorial control’ erupts near Suhrawardy Hospital

The clash took place between the Biplob and Apu groups, both of which are involved in BNP politics, police say

Several people have been injured in a clash between two rival groups over control of the area surrounding Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital in Dhaka.

The first round of clashes broke out around 11am on Saturday near the area between the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and Suhrawardy Hospital.

Police said a second round of fighting occurred later to the south of Suhrawardy Hospital.

Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station chief (OC) Abdul Qayyum said the clash involved groups led by Biplob and Apu, both of whom identified with a single name and are associated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

“Both sides have filed complaints. We are investigating,” the OC said, adding that “six to seven” people were injured in the incident.

Sub-Inspector Sabbir Hossain of Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station said preliminary information indicates Biplob is linked to the BNP’s youth wing, while Apu is associated with the party’s farmers’ wing.

Members of both groups sustained injuries.

Saiful, from Apu’s group, was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. Others were treated at Suhrawardy Hospital and the National Institute of Neurosciences.

The OC said the clash stemmed from disputes over hospital tenders, ambulance operations, and control of footpaths and other hospital-centred businesses.