A local Chhatra Dal leader was injured during a violent clash in Chatkhil upazila of Noakhali on Thursday night, with his family alleging that he was shot in a politically motivated attack. Police, however, said preliminary findings did not confirm any evidence of gunfire.
The injured, Md Shahadat, 23, is the son of Abul Kashem and a candidate for the post of General Secretary of Ward No. 3 Chhatra Dal in Khilpara Union. The incident took place at around 8:30 pm in front of Sripur School.
According to Shahadat’s elder brother, Md Habib, a local Jubo Dal leader, the attack stemmed from political tensions. He alleged that since 5 August he had been posting on Facebook about alleged irregularities involving local Awami League leaders, after which both brothers received threats.
Habib claimed that local Awami League leaders Mafiz Bhuiyan and Rahim Haji instigated the clash. He further alleged that a group led by local Jubo League activists identified as Javed, Morshed, Masum and Riyad assaulted Shahadat before opening fire on him.
According to the family, Shahadat sustained 26 pellet injuries to his lower abdomen and thigh. He was rescued by relatives and admitted to the 250-bed Noakhali General Hospital for treatment.
Repeated attempts to contact Mafiz Bhuiyan and Rahim Haji for comment were unsuccessful as their mobile phones could not be reached.
Police, however, gave a different account of the incident.
Abdul Monnaf, Officer-in-Charge of Chatkhil Police Station, said the dispute began earlier in the afternoon over a football match involving local teenagers. The situation later escalated into a clash after parents and guardians from both sides became involved.
The OC said that although Shahadat’s family alleged he had been shot, police found no preliminary evidence of gunfire at the scene. He added that local witnesses reported the explosion of crude bombs, commonly known as cocktails, during the clash.
Police said the incident remains under investigation.
