Clashes Between rival BNP Factions in Natore Leave Seven Injured

A violent clash between two factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) over control of a local bus counter has left at least seven people injured in the Baraigram upazila of Natore. The confrontation erupted on Wednesday afternoon in the Bonpara Bypass area, resulting in extensive vandalism of local property.

Passenger Dispute Escalates to Violent Confrontation

The incident originated around 11:00 AM on Wednesday, following an altercation regarding passenger boarding on a Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) bus service. Local sources indicated that an argument broke out between a group led by former joint convener of Bonpara Municipal BNP, Hossain Ali Fokir, comprising 20 to 25 supporters, and municipal Chhatra Dal member Sujon Khan and his associates.

Tensions escalated an hour later around midday. While Hossain Ali Fokir and several BNP leaders and activists were drinking tea at a road-side stall in front of the Pabna bus counter at Bonpara Bypass, an opposing group of 40 to 45 people armed with wooden sticks and rods launched a sudden assault. Local residents intervened to rescue the injured and transport them to healthcare facilities. During the raid, attackers vandalised the tea stall alongside five motorcycles parked nearby.

Casualty Details and Medical Interventions

Seven people sustained injuries during the violent skirmish, with several requiring urgent hospital admission due to the severity of their wounds.

• Hossain Ali Fokir (57): Former joint convener of Bonpara Municipal BNP, suffered serious injuries and was transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.

• Momtazuddin Sheikh (55): President of the municipal Krishak Dal, sustained severe injuries and was moved to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.

• Aktar Hossain (52): President of Ward 7 municipal BNP, transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital in a critical condition.

• Aslam Sheikh (50): BNP activist, admitted to Bonpara Patwary General Hospital for treatment.

• Rabiul Islam Mridha (50): President of Ward 9 municipal BNP, received primary medical care.

• Najmul (35) and Sohel (48): Jubo Dal activists, received outpatient care for minor injuries.

Political Statements and Law Enforcement Response

Hossain Ali Fokir is widely recognized as a key supporter of Bonpara Municipal BNP Convener Lutfor Rahman. Speaking from Dhaka, Lutfor Rahman stated that he was informed of the assault led by municipal Chhatra Dal member Sujon Khan, adding that the condition of several injured party members remained critical.

Sujon Khan rejected the allegations, denying any personal or organizational involvement in the attack.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Baraigram Police Station, Shafiqul Islam, confirmed that police forces restored order shortly after the incident. Patrols have been intensified across the municipal township to prevent further retributive violence. Law enforcement authorities have launched a formal investigation to clarify the causes of the assault and identify those responsible in order to pursue legal action.