9 sustain bullet-wounds as two AL factions clash in Companyganj

At least nine people sustained bullet wounds as two factions of Awami League clashed in Companyganj upazila of Noakhali.

The incident took place at ward-9 of Basurhat Municipality around 7:30pm on Saturday. All the injured are followers of Abdul Quader Mirza, the municipality mayor and brother of AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader.

Nazrul Islam Bakul, former president of Juba League's ward-9 unit, said when followers of Quader Mirza assembled in ward-9 from different areas with an intention to head towards the municipality office, the rival group members opened fire on them.

He blamed followers of Mahbubur Rashid Manzur, spokesperson of Upazila Awami League,  for the attack.

Mir Jahedul Haque Rony, officer-in-charge of Companyganj Police Station, said a fracas transpired there when the mayor's followers prompted to bring out a procession in the municipality. At one stage, the rivals allegedly opened fire on them, leaving the nine injured.

Additional police personnel were deployed on the spot to avoid further clash, he said, adding that they are trying to arrest the attackers.

The injured are receiving treatment in Noakhali General Hospital.