Pabna, July 12 (V7N): A three-member delegation from the central committee of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has visited the scene of a violent clash between two factions of the party in Suzanganagar. The incident, which occurred on July 9, 2023, was sparked by a dispute over a mobile phone conversation. The delegation conducted a thorough investigation and gathered information from the public regarding the events.

The delegation, which visited Suzanganagar on Friday, July 11, included Amirul Islam Alim, the assistant organizing secretary of Rajshahi Division BNP; Obaidur Rahman Chandan; and Mahbubur Rahman, a member of the BNP’s Information Cell. They surveyed the scene and interacted with local residents to gather information.

According to reports, the clash occurred around 2:30 PM on Wednesday, July 9, in front of the Nandita Cinema Hall in Suzanganagar Bazaar. BNP factions, allegedly involving several individuals posing as party members, clashed with each other using firearms, Chinese machetes, and sharp knives. This violence was condemned by BNP leaders, who stated that such actions violated the party’s discipline.

Amirul Islam Alim, the assistant organizing secretary of BNP's Rajshahi Division, commented on the incident, saying: "As you may have seen in the media, a group of miscreants, allegedly with ties to the BNP, engaged in violent clashes using firearms and sharp weapons in Suzanganagar. This is in direct contradiction to our party’s code of conduct. Our acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, has been made aware of the incident. He has ordered an immediate investigation and organizational action. We have sent a team of three members to investigate and restore peace in the area."

Alim emphasized that, while those involved in the violence had been expelled from the party, if they were proven innocent by the court, the party would reconsider their expulsion. He added, "The evidence in the media clearly shows who was involved in the incident. The individuals against whom punitive action was taken were identified based on the available evidence."

The investigation team arrived from Dhaka at 12:00 PM on Friday and began collecting testimonies from local residents of Suzanganagar Bazaar. They gathered video footage and images of the clashes and the gunfire, some of which had gone viral on social media. The delegation also gathered images of individuals holding weapons during the incident. Following this, a meeting was held at the Suzanganagar Dak Bangla auditorium with senior officials from Suzanganagar Police and the Circle Office.

After the meeting, Amirul Islam Alim briefed the press, stating that the BNP was urging local authorities to take swift legal action against those responsible for the violence. "We have urged the police to take firm action against the culprits and ensure that no one escapes justice, regardless of their position or political affiliation," he said.

Mahbubur Rahman, a member of the BNP’s Information Cell, reiterated the central leadership's stance, saying: "We are here on the direct orders of Tarique Rahman. We have conveyed to the police the need for prompt action against the perpetrators. We have also submitted written complaints demanding legal proceedings."

In response, Suzanganagar's Officer-in-Charge (OC), Mojibur Rahman, confirmed that a meeting had been held between the BNP delegation and senior police officers on Friday evening. "The case is under process," said OC Mojibur Rahman. "We will provide official updates once the investigation progresses."

Background of the Incident:

The conflict in Suzanganagar initially stemmed from a phone-related dispute on July 8, when Ashik, an associate of former Suzanganagar BNP Joint Secretary Mojibur Khan, had his mobile phone seized and destroyed by Kausar, a nephew of the district’s BNP Member Secretary Abdure Rauf Sheikh. This altercation was reportedly resolved; however, on the following day, Ashik was again summoned to the Nandita Cinema Hall by Kausar’s group, where a verbal altercation ensued.

Ashik brought his cousin, Sabuj, a local student leader, to mediate. During the confrontation, Sabuj intervened, and was reportedly stabbed by Kausar’s group. Shortly thereafter, a larger group led by Mojibur Khan, Lebu Khan, and Manik arrived and attacked Kausar’s faction. Abdure Rauf Sheikh, who attempted to de-escalate the violence, was also assaulted and severely injured. Reports indicate that gunshots were fired during the skirmish.

Abdure Rauf Sheikh, who sustained serious injuries, was later admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. In the aftermath, the central BNP expelled 10 individuals, including Sheikh, for their involvement in the violent clash.

END/MSR/SMA/