55 Injured in Clashes Between Rival BNP Factions; Shops and Homes Vandalised

At least 55 individuals were injured during violent clashes between two rival factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Rampal, Bagerhat, centring around the Union-level BNP council in the Mallikerber Union. The conflict led to the vandalism of at least 20 shops and several nearby residences.

Incident Summary

Background Tension Leading to Violence

Sources from the local BNP and residents confirm that tensions had been simmering for several months between supporters of two rival candidates for the Union BNP President post:

• Abdul Alim Haoladar
• Sazzarul Islam Saju

The rivalry escalated to sporadic attacks and confrontations over time.

On the night of Saturday, 2 August, followers of Abdul Alim allegedly attacked General Secretary candidate Shamim Hasan Polok and 10 others at Betbunia Pakar Morh in Mallikerber Union. Several of the injured were later admitted to Bagerhat 250-bed Hospital.

In protest and demanding justice for the assault, on Sunday afternoon, supporters of Sazzarul Islam and Shamim Hasan organised a human chain demonstration with police permission.

Escalation into Violent Confrontation

As the human chain commenced, supporters of Abdul Alim allegedly launched a sudden attack on Sazzarul Islam Saju and his group. Saju and several others sustained serious injuries. In retaliation, Saju’s supporters attacked Abdul Alim’s residence and vandalised approximately 20 shops in Sannyasi Bazaar.

By 5:30 PM, open violence was visible in the marketplace. Despite police presence, Saju and former Jubo Dal leader Zahidul Islam were seen chasing and attempting to assault Abdul Alim’s followers multiple times. Simultaneously, Alim’s supporters were observed throwing bricks from rooftops at their opponents.

Despite police attempts to intervene, they were initially unable to restore order

Police Involvement and Containment

Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Atiqur Rahman of Rampal Police Station arrived at the scene and tried to pacify the agitated groups. Although the situation momentarily calmed, violence erupted again in front of the police, with protestors using sticks to smash Abdul Alim’s residence and surrounding shops.

Later, additional police forces were deployed, and just before evening, the situation was finally brought under control.

“We are trying our utmost to keep the situation under control. Both groups engaged in brick-throwing. Several people have been injured and sent for treatment,” — OC Md. Atiqur Rahman

Statements from Key Individuals

Zahidul Islam, former Jubo Dal leader:
“Sazzarul Islam Saju and Shamim Hasan Polok’s rising popularity made the opposition camp desperate. Their supporters attacked ours to derail the election. Many of our people have been injured. The attack was led by Mehedi Hasan Mithu and Mojnur.”

Rakibul Islam Rakib, President, Mallikerber Union Chhatra Dal:
“Police were arriving from Rampal station, yet Abdul Alim’s supporters attacked us with weapons in full view of law enforcement.”

Sazzarul Islam Saju, BNP President Candidate (Injured):
“We wanted to protest peacefully. But Abdul Alim’s people ambushed us. Many of our leaders and workers were hurt.”

Repeated calls made to Abdul Alim Haoladar for his statement went unanswered, as he did not receive the phone.