A series of chases and counter-chases involving the explosion of crude bombs occurred between activists of the BNP and Jamaat on Thursday morning over a dispute for dominance at a betel leaf market in Gaibandha.
The incident occurred at Choto Shimultala Panhaati within Palashbari municipality.
According to local sources, a rivalry regarding the control of this market has persisted between the two political organisations since 5 August, with the groups having engaged in clashes previously.
Footage surfacing on social media depicted activists from both factions occupying positions on either side of the Palashbari-Ghoraghat regional highway, where they were seen throwing stones and bricks at one another.
Individuals were reportedly armed with bamboo sticks and weapons known as hasuas. The explosions and commotion caused widespread panic, forcing pedestrians and residents to flee, while slogans of “Naraye Takbir-Allahu Akbar” were reportedly heard.
The violence resulted in the vandalism of several betel leaf shops and damage to two trees within the market area.
Sarwar Alam Khan, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Palashbari Police Station, confirmed the chase and counter-chase between the groups but said reports of crude bomb explosions have not been verified. He added that the situation in the area has now returned to calm.
