Supporters of reformist and pro-Khaleda faction of BNP engaged in a clash Friday at Gauranadi in Barisal that left at least 35 people including a policeman and a journalist injured. Traffic movement on Barisal-Dhaka highway was disrupted for hours and a number of shops and vehicles were vandalised at Gauranadi Bus Stand during the clash.
After the clash Nur Alam Howladar, Gauranadi municipality mayor and upazila BNP president, resigned from his party post. Barisal north district BNP President Abdur Rob told The Daily Star that upazila BNP vice-president Abul Hossain Mia will take over from Alam.
Witnesses, police and party leaders and workers said the clash started around 10:30am when former BNP lawmaker Jahiruddin Swapan, who was in the reformist BNP faction led by Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, along with his supporters was heading towards Gauranadi Press Club. When his motorcade reached Gauranadi Bandar, local Jubo Dal General Secretary Badiuzzaman Mintu and his supporters obstructed the motorcade.
They claiming themselves to be of pro-Khaleda faction, attacked and vandalised three motorcycles belonging to the followers of Swapan in front of the shop of Wahidul Huq Khan, also a local BNP leader.
The groups clashed and the clash lasted for an hour and a half. Chases and counter chases took place along with hurling brick bats. Traffic movement on the highway was disrupted.
Shops of supporters of Swapan and their rivals were vandalised, witnesses said.
Police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control around 12:45pm. They escorted Swapan and his followers out to Sharikal.
Leaders and activists of both BNP factions, Wadud, a constable of Agoiljhara Police Station, Giasuddin Mia, local correspondent of Dainik Samakal, two pedestrians Kulsum Begum and Ali Hossain were injured. Seventeen of them were admitted to hospitals in Gauranadi and Agoiljhara.
Jubo Dal leader Badiuzzaman Mintu claimed that locals resisted Swapan and his followers.
Swapan, however, said there is no division in the party and the party is united under Khaleda Zia. He said a number of misguided leaders and activists created the unwanted situation which is harmful to the party.