At least four people, including a 12-year-old child, were injured in a violent clash and shooting between two rival factions of the BNP in Chattogram late Saturday night.
The incident took place around 10:00pm in the Miya Khan Nagar Mairadar Mill area under Bakolia Police Station jurisdiction, according to police.
The injured, Md Hasan, Jasim, Ismail Mia, and Fahim, 12, were taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital. Doctors said the victims suffered pellet injuries to their legs as well as wounds from sharp weapons.
Police said the violence erupted over territorial dominance between two local BNP factions.
Supporters of local figure Morshed Khan allegedly opened fire using a homemade shotgun and carried out an indiscriminate attack with sharp weapons on rival supporters linked to Abdus Sobhan and Shawkat.
Morshed Khan, who identifies himself as a BNP leader, is listed among 300 criminals by city police, officials said.
Despite the targeted nature of the attack, no members of the rival factions were reported injured. Instead, the injured were common people caught in the violence, raising concerns over public safety in densely populated neighbourhoods.
According to law enforcement, tensions had been escalating since Morshed Khan returned to the area after spending an extended period abroad following August 5, 2024. Upon his return, he was reportedly attacked and driven out by rival groups aligned with Sobhan and Shawkat.
Saturday’s attack is believed to be a retaliatory strike by his supporters. Following the incident, police conducted a drive and arrested five people.
A homemade shotgun and two cartridges were recovered from the residence of Md Faruk Hossain during the drive. However, police said Hossain fled before officers arrived and remains at large.
Hossain Mohammad Kabir Bhuiyan, deputy police commissioner (South) of Chattogram Metropolitan Police, confirmed the arrests and said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fugitive. Police have intensified operations in the area to prevent further violence.
