Baraigram (Natore) Correspondent

At least 20 people were injured in a clash between two factions of the BNP in the Banpara Bypass area of Baraigram upazila in Natore on Wednesday afternoon. The clash reportedly took place over control and dominance of bus counters in the area.

The injured include Hossain Ali Fakir, 57, Momtaz Uddin Sheikh, 56, Matiur Rahman, 45, Akhtar Hossain, 45, Rabiul, 42, Sohel, 50, Nazmul, 35, Aslam, 60, and Amin, 42, among others.

Of the injured, Hossain Ali Fakir, Momtaz Uddin Sheikh and Matiur Rahman were in critical condition and were referred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. The other injured were admitted to different hospitals. According to allegations, two bus counters, including a Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) counter, a tea stall and three motorcycles were vandalized during the clash.

Local residents said that around 7–8 people, including Hossain Ali Fakir, were having tea at a tea stall in front of the Pabna bus counter at Banpara Bypass around Wednesday noon. At that time, a group of around 30–40 people allegedly attacked them with sticks and other makeshift weapons. The incident triggered a clash between the two groups, leaving at least 20 people injured.

Later, local residents rescued the injured and sent them to different hospitals. Tension spread across Banpara municipal town following the incident. Police were deployed in the area to bring the situation under control.

Baraigram Police Station OC Md. Shafiqul Islam said, “Police have been deployed at the scene, and the situation is currently under control. A detailed investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the attack and identify those involved. Legal action will be taken accordingly.”