Shootout Erupts Outside BNP Office in Lakshmipur

A violent confrontation broke out between rival groups from two neighbouring villages in Lakshmipur, culminating in a shootout outside the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) office in Chandraganj. A passerby was shot and another individual was beaten during the clash, which reportedly stemmed from a dispute over local dominance.

The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, 24 March, at around 9:00 p.m., at the entrance of Afzal Road in West Chandraganj Bazaar, within Chandraganj Union of Lakshmipur Sadar. According to local sources and eyewitness accounts, tensions between residents of Deopara and Shekhpur villages had escalated the previous day (23 March), resulting in a scuffle. The following evening, hostilities flared again, this time involving firearms.

The victims have been identified as Abdur Rahim, 54, a tree trader from Shekhpur village and son of Shamsul Haque, who sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg, and Saiful Islam Manik, 20, from East Jafarpur village in Charshahi Union and son of Mizanur Rahman, who was beaten with a chain. Both were promptly rescued by local residents and taken to hospital for medical attention.

Eyewitnesses reported that the two groups were led by Rakib Patwari on behalf of Deopara village and Mitul representing Shekhpur village. During the shooting, Abdur Rahim was hit by a stray bullet while walking near the BNP office, while Manik was assaulted indiscriminately by Mitul’s supporters.

At Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital, Dr. Salam Sourav confirmed that Abdur Rahim had sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg and had received initial treatment before being referred to Noakhali General Hospital for further care. Manik remains under treatment at the same facility.

Chandraganj police station officer-in-charge, Morshed Alam, stated that when law enforcement arrived, both groups had already dispersed, complicating immediate intervention. Authorities are investigating the incident, and no arrests have been reported so far.

Incident Summary

The clash highlights ongoing rivalries in Chandraganj, with local authorities urging residents to maintain peace and cooperation to prevent further escalation.