At least 25 people were injured, three of them critically, in violent clashes between two rival factions of the BNP during a National Revolution and Solidarity Day programme in Boalmari upazila of Faridpur on Friday evening.
The clash erupted around 5pm near the Wapda intersection area of the upazila town when supporters of two local BNP groups engaged in a fierce confrontation.
One faction’s local office was vandalised and set on fire, while at least 15 motorcycles were torched and a dozen nearby shops were damaged.
The violence continued for nearly an hour before army and police personnel brought the situation under control. However, tensions remained high in the area as of Friday night.
According to witnesses, the clashes broke out between supporters of former lawmaker and BNP central executive committee vice-president of the Krishak Dal, Khandaker Nasirul Islam, and upazila BNP vice-president and former joint secretary Shamsuddin Mia Jhunu.
The two groups had dispute over local political dominance, recent nominations, and the formation of the new upazila BNP committee.
Both groups had announced separate rallies and processions to mark the day. Followers of Shamsuddin Mia Jhunu organised their event in front of the Harun Shopping Complex at Wapda intersection, while Nasirul Islam’s supporters held a similar programme at the Chourasta intersection. As activists from both sides gathered in Boalmari Bazar in the afternoon, tensions escalated, leading to violent clashes.
Witnesses said around 4:30pm, hundreds of supporters of Nasirul Islam armed with sticks, bricks, and local weapons attacked Shamsuddin Mia Jhunu’s office, vandalising and setting it ablaze.
They also ransacked 8 to 10 nearby shops and set fire to about 15 motorcycles. Several people were trapped inside the building during the attack, while others fled the area.
Fire service personnel who arrived to extinguish the blaze were forced to retreat due to the intensity of the violence. The situation was finally brought under control around 5:30pm after joint intervention by the army and police.
Boalmari Upazila BNP Vice-President Shamsuddin Mia Jhunu alleged that supporters of Nasirul Islam, along with hired outsiders, carried out the attack on his followers and office.
In response, the newly formed upazila BNP President Advocate Sirajul Islam accused Jhunu’s group of provoking the violence. “They brought in people from outside to attack our activists,” he said.
Medical Officer Abdullah Al Masum of Boalmari Upazila Health Complex said seven injured individuals were admitted to the hospital, three of whom were later transferred to Faridpur Medical College Hospital in critical condition.
Boalmari Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mahmudul Hasan said law enforcers were working to restore order.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tanvir Hasan Chowdhury described the incident as “deeply unfortunate,” adding, “We did not anticipate such chaos during a commemorative programme.”
The situation in Boalmari remained tense but under control as authorities increased patrols to prevent further violence.
