Clash Between BNP and Jamaat in Chuadanga Leaves One Dead

A violent clash broke out in the life of Jiban Nagar, Chuadanga, between activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami. The incident, which turned fatal, saw the death of Jamaat worker Hafizur Rahman, allegedly due to an assault by BNP members. Six individuals were injured during the scuffle, with the situation intensifying as both parties clashed over an ongoing political dispute.

The incident took place on the night of Saturday, 28th February 2024, in the Hasadaha area of Jiban Nagar, and has since left the entire region on edge. Hafizur Rahman, who was a prominent jeweller and the elder brother of Mofizur Rahman, the Amir (leader) of the Jamaat unit in Hasadaha Union, succumbed to his injuries after being struck with sharp weapons and blunt objects during the confrontation.

Local sources report that tensions had been mounting for weeks, largely due to a political feud between local BNP and Jamaat members. The dispute reportedly escalated after a series of confrontations, including an assault on Mahdi Hassan, a Jamaat member, on 13th February, which had heightened animosity between the two factions.

On the evening of the clash, after breaking the Ramadan fast, Mahdi Hassan and his father, Jasim Uddin, a local businessman, were reportedly attacked by BNP activists near the Hasadaha Model Fazil Madrasa. As the news spread, Jamaat leaders Mofizur Rahman and Hafizur Rahman rushed to the scene to help, only to find themselves under assault by the same group. This provoked a full-scale battle between the two parties, leading to a bloody confrontation.

In the aftermath, six individuals were injured, four of whom were severely hurt and taken to the hospital. Hafizur Rahman’s condition deteriorated rapidly, and he was transferred from Jiban Nagar Hospital to Jessore, and later to Dhaka, where he succumbed to his injuries at 2 AM. Mofizur Rahman, his brother, was also reported to be in critical condition.

As violence erupted in the Hasadaha Bazaar area, tensions soared, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement. The Jiban Nagar police, along with a military unit, arrived at the scene to restore order. Although the immediate threat subsided, local authorities continued to monitor the situation.

In response to the incident, the Jamaat-e-Islami local chapter organised a protest march on Sunday, 1st March 2024, at 10:30 AM.

Several political leaders, including newly-elected Members of Parliament, Advocate Masud Parvez Russell (Chuadanga-1) and Advocate Ruhul Amin (Chuadanga-2), visited the injured in the hospital.

Local Jamaat leaders, such as Ariful Islam Jowarddar, president of the municipal youth division of Jamaat, condemned the violence, accusing the BNP and its affiliated organisations of targeting Jamaat workers over a long-standing rivalry.

Meanwhile, Shafiqul Islam Pitu, the organisational secretary of Chuadanga District BNP, was unable to confirm the exact details of the incident but pledged to investigate the matter further.

Jiban Nagar Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge (OC), Solaiman Sheikh, confirmed the altercation, stating that it was the result of prior enmity between the two factions. "We are aware that Hafizur Rahman, the elder brother of the Hasadaha Jamaat Amir, was killed in the clash, and at least six people were injured. We are taking necessary legal actions," he said.

Key Incident Details

The situation in Jiban Nagar remains tense, with both political parties preparing for further protests. As investigations continue, the authorities have promised that those responsible for the violence will face legal consequences. The tragic loss of Hafizur Rahman, a key figure within the Jamaat, has sent shockwaves through the local community, and the ongoing dispute between the BNP and Jamaat is likely to have lasting political ramifications in the region.