Narayanganj, Oct 19 (V7N) — At least 30 people were injured, including six who sustained gunshot wounds, during a series of violent clashes between rival factions of the BNP and Jubo Dal in Araihazar upazila of Narayanganj on Saturday. The confrontation, which erupted over a long-standing dispute for local dominance, turned the Kalapaharia Union’s Khaliarchar area into a virtual battlefield, according to police.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) Khondoker Nasir Uddin of Araihazar Police Station confirmed the incident, stating that law enforcement swiftly intervened to bring the situation under control and maintain order in the area.

Among the injured are Khayer Uddin, Abdul Matin, Jonayet Mia, Kalu Mia, Khalilur Rahman, and Al Amin—who were transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition. Others are receiving treatment at various local hospitals in Araihazar, Sonargaon, Homna, and Meghna.

According to locals, the clash stemmed from an ongoing feud between Kabir Hossain, vice-president of Kalapaharia Union BNP, and Fakir Zahidul Islam, president of the local Jubo Dal. Kabir allegedly sought to strengthen his faction by aligning with followers of Delwar Hossain, vice-president of the local Jubo League. This alliance deepened tensions, leading to repeated confrontations over recent months.

The dispute escalated following the death of Fakir Zahidul’s uncle, Ripon Mia, who was critically injured in a previous attack allegedly led by Kabir’s group in July. Ripon died in Dhaka Medical College Hospital’s ICU on September 16. His wife later filed a murder case against Kabir Hossain, his son Rizu Miah, and 15 others, accusing them of orchestrating the attack.

On Saturday morning, supporters from both sides reportedly armed themselves with locally made weapons and firearms, engaging in several rounds of clashes that left multiple people wounded. Police reinforcements were deployed to the area to restore calm, though tensions remain high.

Speaking to reporters, Jubo Dal leader Fakir Zahidul Islam accused Kabir and his allies of launching the attack to pressure Ripon’s family into withdrawing the murder case. He claimed that Kabir had joined hands with ruling party affiliates to extort money and spread fear in the community.

Kabir Hossain, however, denied the allegations, asserting that the violence was instigated by Zahidul’s men after they allegedly detained and tortured one of his followers, Zahid Ali, on Friday. “When we tried to bring him back, their people attacked us. Several of my supporters were shot and injured,” Kabir said.

OC Nasir Uddin confirmed that the situation is now under control, with additional police forces deployed to prevent further violence. No cases had been filed as of Saturday evening, though police remain active in locating the accused in the ongoing murder investigation.

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