Violence erupted across three districts on Saturday, leaving four people injured in separate incidents involving gunfire and cocktail explosions.
Gazipur
In Gazipur, two factions of the BNP clashed over the local jute business in Vitipara, Bashan Thana. The conflict included gunfire, cocktail explosions, and a brief chase through the streets.
A motorcycle was set on fire, and a jute-laden truck and cash worth nearly TK 3 lakh were reportedly seized from a local businessman.
The incident occurred around 10:30am near Manel Fashion Limited, a factory whose jute trade has long been controlled by local BNP and Jubo Dal leaders. Police arrived on the scene to restore order.
Local sources said that the jute business at Manel Fashion Limited factory in Vitipara has long been controlled by some local BNP and Jubo Dal leaders. On Saturday morning, a dispute arose when Koushik Khan, owner of Khan Trading, went to collect jute as per his contract.
At that time, one group, led by Sharif Azad, former vice-president of the city’s Jubo Dal, Nur Islam Dipu, former joint organising secretary of Basan Thana BNP, and Mannan, tried to collect the jute, but another local group blocked them.
This led to a chase between the two sides, during which several rounds of gunfire were exchanged and cocktail bombs were thrown, according to reports. Police arrived at the scene after receiving news and brought the situation under control.
Harun Ur Rashid, Officer-in-Charge of Basan Thana, said that legal action would be taken after a written complaint is filed and investigated.
Kushtia
In Kushtia’s Veramara upazila, attackers targeted the office of municipal BNP general secretary Shafiqul Islam Dabble. Around 8:50pm, four to five armed men hurled cocktails and fired six to seven rounds at the office near South Railgate.
A local tea seller, Shukur Ali, was shot in the neck. Nearby shops were damaged, including several fish tanks.
Witnesses said top BNP leaders were present in the office at the time of the attack. Police confirmed the incident and launched a manhunt.
Cumilla
In Cumilla, three people were injured in cocktail attacks outside Thakurpara’s Kaligachhtala temple and the adjacent Baganbari mosque.
The attackers entered the temple with a bag containing a cocktail during Saturday night’s Shani Puja.
Priest Keshob Chakraborty was injured while trying to remove it. Two more people, including mosque attendee Abdul Barek, were also hurt. The victims received treatment at Cumilla Sadar Hospital.
Cumilla District Police Superintendent Anisuzzaman said the attack appeared aimed at disturbing local peace during the post-election period and Ramadan. Authorities are investigating with support from experienced teams from Dhaka.
These incidents underscore rising tensions in various districts, with authorities urging calm. Police continue investigations to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
