At least 10 people were injured in a violent clash between two rival factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Gangni upazila of Meherpur on Tuesday, centering on party nomination disputes for the Meherpur-2 constituency.
The violence erupted around noon between supporters of former MP and nominated candidate Amzad Hossain and those of district BNP president Javed Masud Milton, who was denied the party ticket.
Both groups launched attacks on each other’s offices, turning the town into a battlefield.
Witnesses said the clash began around 11:30am when Amzad Hossain was heading toward the bus stand area with his supporters.
Followers of Milton allegedly attacked them, prompting Amzad to take shelter in his office. Milton’s supporters then hurled bricks and vandalised several motorcycles parked outside the office.
Upon hearing of the attack, supporters of Amzad Hossain, led by former upazila BNP general secretary Asaduzzaman Bablu, marched from Hospital Bazar and attacked Milton’s office. They set fire to furniture and other belongings after ransacking the premises.
Police and army patrols arrived shortly after the violence broke out, dispersing the groups temporarily, but clashes resumed soon after.
Gangni Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Bani Israel said law enforcers were working to bring the situation under control.
On Monday evening, soon after the nomination announcement for Meherpur-2, Milton’s supporters had staged a protest procession in the area.
