At least 15 people including District Chhatra Dal General Secretary Rokonuzzaman Japa were injured in a clash between two rival BNP groups in Panchagarh town.
The violence erupted around 10pm Sunday when supporters of Barrister Naushad Zamir, MP for Panchagarh‑1, brought out a procession from the Tetulia bus stand.
As the procession reached the MR College intersection, it was confronted by supporters of State Minister for Water Resources and Panchagarh‑2 MP Farhad Hossain Azad. The two groups engaged in chase‑and‑counter‑chase, hurling bricks and fighting with sticks on the highway. About 15 people were injured in the clashes.
Police later brought the situation under control and deployed additional forces. The injured were admitted to Panchagarh Modern District Hospital, while four in critical condition were referred to Rangpur Medical College Hospital.
Earlier in the day, tensions flared at a views‑exchange meeting at the district BNP office when Boda Upazila BNP General Secretary Asadullah Asad’s remarks sparked arguments in front of Social Welfare, Women and Children Affairs Minister AZM Zahid.
That dispute carried over into the night, leading to the clashes. Chase‑and‑counter‑chase continued intermittently until midnight, after which police dispersed both sides. Traffic on the highway was halted for nearly two hours, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded.
Rezwanullah, Resident Medical Officer at Panchagarh Modern District Hospital, said those admitted received primary treatment for injuries to the head and other parts of the body. Four were referred for advanced care, he added.
“We learned they were injured in political violence,” he also said.
Additional Superintendent of Police Shoimi Imtiaz said the situation is now under control. “We will investigate and take necessary action,” he said.
