Fifteen Injured in Blanket Distribution Clash

At least fifteen people were injured in a violent clash between two factions of the BNP in Putia, Rajshahi, over the distribution of blankets to underprivileged residents. Five of the injured were admitted to the local health complex, while the remainder received first aid at the scene.

The incident occurred on Monday afternoon (29 December) at Dhopapara Market in the Jiupura Union of Putia Upazila. Police were alerted promptly and arrived at the scene to restore order. According to Putia Police Station Officer-in-Charge Faridul Islam, as of Tuesday afternoon, no formal complaints had been lodged by either party.

Injured Individuals:

According to Ansar Ali, a member of Jiupura Union BNP, the altercation was led by Ward BNP President Arz Ali and his supporters, who allegedly launched an attack on their faction during the distribution attempt.

Sources indicate that the Upazila Relief Office had provided eighteen blankets to Dhopapara Government Primary School for distribution among the needy, with a list of recipients compiled by the school’s headteacher, Faruk Naz Begum. Beneficiaries were required to present their national ID cards at the school on Monday afternoon. However, before the official distribution could take place, Arz Ali reportedly took all the blankets with his followers, distributing them independently.

When Ansar Ali and his team arrived at the school to distribute the blankets, they found none remaining. A protest over this led to a confrontation, during which injuries were reported on both sides.

Faruk Naz Begum clarified that in the absence of the Union Parishad chairman and members, a government official has temporarily assumed the chairman’s duties. She emphasised that the eighteen blankets were meant for the designated distribution list, although Arz Ali had taken the initiative to distribute them himself.

Arz Ali defended his actions, stating that as Ward BNP President, he had distributed two blankets to each of the nine villages’ underprivileged families under his jurisdiction, and that the clash ensued only after Ansar Ali objected.

OC Faridul Islam reiterated that no formal complaints had yet been submitted, adding that appropriate legal action would be taken once complaints are received.