Violent clashes involving activists from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami have been reported in Palashbari upazila of Gaibandha district, centring on a longstanding dispute over control of a local marketplace. The confrontation included a chase-and-counter-chase situation, vandalism, and multiple crude bomb explosions, causing panic among traders, commuters, and local residents.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 am on Thursday (11 June) at the Panhati market area of Chhoto Shimultala in Palashbari municipal town. According to local accounts, tensions between the two groups had been simmering for some time over the alleged influence and control of the market, which has witnessed repeated episodes of violence in the past.
Eyewitnesses reported that both groups gathered on opposite sides of the Palashbari–Gobindaganj regional highway adjacent to the market and began hurling bricks and stones at each other. During the confrontation, several crude bombs were reportedly detonated, intensifying fear among pedestrians and disrupting normal market activity. People in the vicinity were seen running in different directions to escape the unrest.
Significant damage was also reported at the scene. At least two trees were felled, and several tin-shed stalls and temporary shop structures in the market area were damaged or destroyed. The sudden escalation of violence forced traders to abandon their shops, leaving the market deserted shortly after the incident began.
Following the clash, multiple videos circulated on social media showing the chaotic scene, including groups positioned on both sides of the roadway engaging in stone-throwing. The footage also captured explosions and the resulting panic among bystanders.
Attempts to contact leaders and activists from both BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami for comment were unsuccessful, as none were reachable on mobile phones at the time of reporting.
Police confirmed the occurrence of a confrontation but remained cautious regarding the reported use of crude bombs. The Officer-in-Charge of Palashbari Police Station stated that the situation has since been brought under control and that law enforcement presence has been increased in the area to prevent further escalation.
Local sources further noted that this is not the first such outbreak of violence in the area. On 20 May, earlier clashes reportedly occurred between the two groups over the same market control issue. During that incident, an official of Jamaat-e-Islami’s municipal unit sustained injuries from brick-throwing and later died while undergoing treatment at a private clinic in Rangpur on 30 May.
Authorities have indicated that monitoring has been intensified, and further investigation into the latest unrest is underway.
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