Fatal Clash Erupts Between BNP Factions

A violent confrontation between two factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) erupted in Sitakunda, Chattogram, resulting in the death of a young man and several injuries. The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over local political influence ahead of the upcoming Union Parishad elections.

The deceased, identified as Sajib, was a resident of Khorma Wala village in Mghadia Union, Mirsharai Upazila, and the son of Shah Alam. Sajib worked at the garage of Shahabuddin, the organisational secretary of Muradpur Union’s BNP youth wing.

Incident Timeline

Local sources report that the altercation began on the morning of Tuesday, 10 March, around 10:00 am, in front of the Muradpur Union Parishad office. A verbal dispute broke out between Shahabuddin and another BNP youth leader, Alim, over local influence. Tensions escalated throughout the day, culminating in a violent clash in the evening when Shahabuddin’s supporters allegedly launched an attack on Alim.

Alim’s wife, Tahmina Akter, stated, “My husband was encouraged by residents to participate in the Union Parishad elections, but Shahabuddin was unwilling to accept his popularity. The conflict started over a rice distribution at the parishad office. Later, in the evening, Shahabuddin’s supporters used four CNG vehicles and two motorcycles, along with improvised explosive devices, to terrorise the locality. Several residents were injured while trying to intervene, one critically.”

Shahabuddin offered a different perspective, citing a longstanding dispute over a stolen rickshaw battery. A mediation meeting had been held, with Alim acting as guarantor for a settlement of 20,000 taka. When Alim delayed repayment, a confrontation ensued. Shahabuddin explained that during an Iftar gathering, Sajib and his associates were returning by CNG to Gopta Khal when they were attacked by Alim’s followers, resulting in Sajib’s death.

Casualties and Police Response

Sitakunda Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Mohinur Islam, confirmed the clash was politically motivated. He reported one fatality and 7–8 injuries. Sajib’s body has been sent to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for post-mortem, and a special police team is investigating the incident.

The confrontation has raised concerns about local political tensions and community safety in Sitakunda, particularly as the Union Parishad elections approach. Authorities have intensified patrols and are attempting to restore calm in the affected areas.

The incident underscores the fragility of local political dynamics, where personal disputes and electoral ambitions can quickly escalate into deadly violence, highlighting the urgent need for mediation and enhanced law enforcement presence.