At least 50 hurt in Noakhali AL factional clash

At least 50 leaders and activists were injured in a clash between two factions of the ruling Awami at Chaprashirhat Bazar in Noakhali's Companiganj Upazila on Friday.

The clash took place in front of the Awami League party office at Chaprashirhat East Bazar around 5pm yesterday.

Police charged batons and fired blank shots and tear gas to control the situation.

The injured are Mehedi Hasan, Ruhul Amin, Mehrab, Bappi, Kamal Patwari, Shaon, Shamim, Delwar Hossain, Master, Nasu, Kamrul Hasan, Nurul Amit, Masud, Kanchan, Raihan, Delwar, Burhan Uddin and others.

Among them, journalists Burhan Uddin Muzakkir, Nurul Amit, Farhad and Kanchan received bullet wound and were admitted to Companiganj Upazila Health Complex.

According to local sources, former upazila chairman Mizanur Rahman Badal, also upazila Awami League organising secretary, asked his supporters to be present at Chaprashirhat party office at 4:30pm.

But before that, Charfakira Union Chairman Jamal Uddin Liton came to the office with his supporters.

An altercation took place between the supporters of two factions at that time.

At one point, there were chases and counter-chases, clashes and shootings between the supporters on both sides.

Barta Bazar correspondent Burhan Uddin received bullet wound while covering the news.

Meanwhile, after the clash, Mayor Abdul Quader Mirza came live on Facebook and claimed that his party's leaders and activists were attacked in Chaprashirhat Bazaar.

If any of his leaders and activists succumbs to their injuries, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, Companiganj Upazila Parishad Chairman Shahab Uddin, lawmaker Ekramul Karim Chowdhury, Nizam Hazari and former Upazila Chairman Mizanur Rahman Badal will be held responsible, Mirza said.

Companiganj Police Inspector (Investigation) Rabiul Haque said 10-12 rounds of tear gas were fired to bring the situation under control.