Ishwardi, Pabna, APR 13 (V7N)– Tensions have flared once again between two factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Ishwardi Upazila, Pabna, resulting in a violent clash over the control of a lucrative CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) refueling station. The incident, which occurred at the Dashuria intersection on Sunday afternoon, left a local BNP leader critically injured after being shot.

The victim, Monowarul Islam, who serves as the Vice-President of the Dashuria Union BNP, sustained serious gunshot wounds and was initially admitted to Pabna General Hospital. Due to the severity of his condition, he has since been transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.

Eyewitnesses and local sources indicate that the conflict stems from allegations of extortion and forceful occupation of the Dashuriya Golchattar CNG stand, reportedly involving Ripon Pramanik, the joint convener of the Upazila Jubo Dal (BNP's youth wing), and his brother Raku Pramanik, who heads the local workers' union. This alleged control over the CNG stand has led to a bitter dispute with Bipul Molla, a leader within the Dashuriya Union Jubo Dal.

This latest clash is reportedly a continuation of previous tensions. Last Friday, a dispute involving a Laguna (a type of small public transport vehicle) and a CNG driver escalated into a confrontation between the two BNP factions, resulting in several injuries. Today's violence erupted at approximately 1:30 PM local time, culminating in the shooting of Monowarul Islam.

Monirul Islam, Inspector (OC-Investigation) of Ishwardi Police Station, confirmed the incident, stating, "Last Friday, there was a fight between Raku Pramanik and Bipul Molla over a dispute between two CNG drivers. This incident happened today due to that incident. We are investigating the matter, details will be given later. At the moment, law and order is normal there, additional police have been deployed there."

Attempts to reach Raku Pramanik and Bipul Molla for comment have been unsuccessful. Both individuals are reportedly known to be followers of Habibur Rahman Habib, the convener of the Pabna district BNP and an advisor to the BNP chairperson.

Habibur Rahman Habib, when contacted, acknowledged a previous minor scuffle while attempting to resolve a dispute between Laguna and CNG drivers. He expressed his intention to take action against those involved in the latest violent incident through the administration.

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