Noakhali Correspondent

A clash broke out between two sides during the Prime Minister Gold Cup football tournament in Begumganj Upazila of Noakhali, injuring at least 24 people from both sides.

The incident took place on Thursday at around 12:15 pm on the grounds of Laxminarayanpur High School in the upazila.

Among the injured, a total of 24 people were injured, including senior teacher Md. Delwar Hossain, assistant teacher Md. Ibrahim, assistant teacher Md. Altaf Hossain, fourth-grade employee Ratan Chandra Dey and student Uday of Durgapur M.A. Matin Dakhil Madrasa.

According to eyewitnesses, a match of the Prime Minister Gold Cup Football Tournament between Chaumuhani Modan Mohan High School and Durgapur M.A. Matin Dakhil Madrasa was held at the Lakshminarayanpur High School ground in the afternoon. A dispute arose between the two sides over the refereeing and mismanagement of the match. It is alleged that Shafiuddin, the headmaster of Kshminarayanpur High School, used a mathematics teacher to conduct the game instead of the designated sports teacher. When some former and current students of Lakshminarayanpur High School protested against this, they attacked with sticks. In this, 24 people from both sides, including 4 teachers, 15 students and 1 employee of Durgapur M.A. Matin Dakhil Madrasa, were injured. Four of the injured are admitted to Begumganj Life Care Hospital.

However, denying the allegations, Laxminarayanpur High School principal Shafiuddin said, "An attempt was made to end the game peacefully. In the meantime, an unexpected incident occurred. The matter is being investigated by law enforcement agencies."

Begumganj Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Md. Habibur Rahman said that after receiving the information, the police went to the spot and brought the situation under control. However, no written complaint has been received in this incident so far.

Begumganj UNO Kayesur Rahman said, "Video footage has been reviewed after the incident. Our investigation did not find any serious clashes or injuries. Minor incidents occurred on the playground."