Bagerhat, Jan 9 (V7N) - At least 20 people, including women and children, were injured during violent clashes between two rival factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Bagerhat Sadar upazila on Wednesday night. The violence stemmed from a power struggle between two former leaders of the union BNP unit.

The conflict is reportedly rooted in a long-standing rivalry between Mostafizur Rahman and Ruhul Amin (also known as Ruhul Member), both former joint convenors of the union BNP unit. The tension intensified following the recent formation of the union-level committee, with both vying for the presidency.

Clashes began on Monday night with the vandalism of a motorbike and escalated into chases and counter-chases between the groups on Wednesday afternoon. The most severe violence erupted later that night when over 100 individuals, allegedly led by Mostafizur, attacked five houses belonging to Ruhul's extended family.

Ruhul Amin reported that the attackers looted valuables, torched establishments, and left 15-20 people injured. Six motorbikes were also set ablaze. Meanwhile, associates of Mostafizur claimed that his supporters had been victims of violence earlier, with 15-20 of his followers injured in an attack led by Ruhul's brother, Rezaul Karim Reza, on Monday.

Superintendent of Police Md Touhidul Arif confirmed that law enforcement swiftly intervened to control the situation. Additional police personnel have been deployed to prevent further violence. However, no formal complaints have been filed by either group yet.

The incident highlights the deep divisions within the local BNP leadership, which have now escalated into violent confrontations affecting the community.

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