BNP groups clash, 5 police injured in blank firing
A bloody clash took place between two BNP groups in Patuakhali over the lease of a market. At least 10 people, including 5 policemen, were injured in the incident. One of them is in critical condition.
Meanwhile, three people, Aminul Haque Chowdhury (45), Palash Hawlader (25) and Ramzan Ali (65), were arrested on Thursday (October 9) morning in connection with the attack on the police.
The clash took place on Wednesday (October 8) night in Palpara Bazar of Lohalia Union of Patuakhali Sadar Upazila. Police said that preparations are underway to file a case in this incident.
Police fired a few blank firing rounds to bring the situation under control. This caused people from both sides to disperse. Police ASI Zahir, SI Abdur Rahman, Constable Mohibullah, Md. Rana and Saiful Islam were injured in the clash. They have been admitted to Patuakhali Medical College Hospital.
On the other hand, the seriously injured BNP leader Mofizul has been sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Local sources said that others injured in the clash are receiving treatment secretly to avoid arrest.
Later, three people were arrested in a joint operation by the army, RAB and police. The situation in the area is currently tense.
Local sources and police said that there was a long-standing dispute between BNP leader Mofizul and the Sohag Majhi group over the lease of Palpara Bazar. Last Wednesday night, people from both sides attacked each other with sharp weapons. When the Sadar Thana police reached the spot on receiving the information, they were also attacked.
Patuakhali Sadar Thana OC Md. Imtiaz Ahmed told us that when the police went to the spot on receiving the information about the clash between the two sides over the lease of the market, they were also attacked. Five policemen were injured in this. Later, additional police, army and RAB members went to control the situation. Three people were arrested from the spot. The injured are being treated at the hospital.
