Dhaka: A violent clash between Bangladesh’s National Citizens Party (NCP) and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) left dozens injured in Jahajmara Bazar, Noakhali district, on Monday night.
The confrontation reportedly began after both parties organised rallies in the same area, escalating tensions that led to physical altercations.
The NCP claimed that over 50 members, including Senior Joint Chief Coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud, were injured in an attack allegedly initiated by BNP supporters.
“We were engaging with the people when BNP members attacked us. Many of our people were injured,” Masud told this news wire.
The BNP countered these claims, asserting that 30 of their members were hurt during the clash. BNP’s Joint General Secretary, Lutfullahil Majid Nishan, alleged that the tensions escalated after Upazila Krishak Dal Convener Abdur Rob was attacked earlier in the evening.
Local police confirmed that a standoff ensued between the two groups at the market. Authorities, including Navy and Coast Guard personnel, were deployed to restore order.
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In response to the incident, the NCP staged a protest in Dhaka on Tuesday, condemning the alleged assault on Abdul Hannan Masud and demanding the arrest and expulsion of those responsible.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the NCP and BNP, particularly as they spar over the upcoming national elections.
The BNP has accused the NCP of orchestrating chaos to delay the electoral process, further straining the already fragile political unity seen during the ousting of the Awami League government in 2024.
