Betagi (Barguna) Correspondent

At least 25 injured including police were hurt in clash between two BNP factions at Betagi in Barguna . The injured were admitted to various hospitals including Betagi Upazila Health Complex.

The incident took place at around 9 pm on Tuesday after the prize distribution ceremony of the annual sports competition and cultural program of Betagi Girls School and College.

Sources said, after the prize distribution ceremony of the annual sports competition and cultural program of Betagi Girls' School and College, Upazila BNP Convener Md. Humayun Kabir Mallick and Upazila Chhatra Dal Convener Md. Shoaib Kabir had an argument. At one point, they got into a clash. Within moments, both sides engaged in attacks using local weapons including randa, bogi da, channa, iron rods, pipes, and sticks. The clash lasted for half an hour.

At least 20 people from both groups, including Upazila BNP Convener Humayun Kabir Mallick, Upazila Chhatra Dal Convener Shoyeb Kabir, Upazila Juba Dal joint convener and former Upazila Chhatra Dal general secretary Md. Jamal Khan, were injured in the clash. When the police went to control the situation, police station SI Emadul, ASI Zahidul and a police constable were injured. One side of the BNP blamed the other side for the attack.

Jamal Khan, injured Upazila Juba Dal Joint Convener, said, "Our Juba Dal leaders and activists were suddenly attacked by the terrorist forces of Upazila Chhatra Dal convener Shoyeb Kabir. We want a fair trial for this attack." In this regard, Betagi Upazila BNP convener Md. Humayun Kabir Mallick said, 'On the way back home after a sports competition at Girls School and College, former Upazila Chairman Shahjahan Kabir and his son Shoaib Kabir attacked our leaders and activists with a terrorist force. I myself was seriously injured and 10-12 leaders and activists of my party were seriously injured. The attack has been reported to the high level of the BNP party. Former Upazila BNP president and former Upazila Chairman Md. Shahjahan Kabir said, 'Upazila BNP convener Humayun Kabir Mallick entered the BNP in 2014. He entered the party and bought a committee in exchange for money and looted and vandalized houses in different areas with his forces. After August 5, his terrorist forces vandalized and looted. Today, Humayun Mallick hit my son Shoaib Kabir on the head and seriously injured him, he has been admitted to the hospital. We are demanding justice from the party high command.

Betagi Police Station OC Md. Moniruzzaman Monir said, "Upon receiving the news of the clash between two BNP groups, the police immediately reached the spot and brought the situation under control. Currently, adequate police have been deployed in the municipality and the law and order situation is normal."