A clash between supporters of the BNP and Jamaat took place in Chauddagram upazila of Cumilla on Monday, resulting in injuries to five individuals. The incident unfolded at Dhonijkora Bazar in Shubhopur Union following a series of attacks the previous night.
According to local sources, trouble started when miscreants vandalized and looted the residence of BNP supporter Bacchu Mia on Sunday, leading to heightened tensions. Subsequently, the BNP office in Dhonijora was also vandalized. Later, unidentified individuals set fire to a bus belonging to Nankora Ayesha Siddika (R.) girls’ madrasa in Batisa union.
Jamaat offices in Telipukur Par, Shahadat Hossain Golap Market, and Sameshpur, along with nearby shops, were also set ablaze. The clash between supporters of both parties occurred in Dhonijora Bazar on Monday afternoon, resulting in injuries to local BNP publicity secretary Ismail Gazi, supporter Shahadat Hossain, and Jamaat supporter Taskin.
The Jamaat secretary of Chauddagram upazila, Md Belal Hossain, claimed that the incident originated from a financial dispute between Bacchu Mia and his neighbor, asserting it had no association with BNP or Jamaat politics. On the other hand, Upazila BNP general secretary Engineer Shah Alam refuted the claim, accusing Jamaat activists of attacking Bacchu Mia’s residence, vandalizing BNP offices, and intimidating workers. He also alleged that Jamaat orchestrated the fires at their own offices to garner sympathy ahead of the election.
The investigation officer, Md Gulzar Alam, from Chauddagram Model Police Station mentioned that the police intervened promptly to restore order at the scene. He stated that further investigations would be conducted upon receipt of formal complaints. Meanwhile, teachers, guardians, and students of the madrasa held a human chain protest demanding arrests in connection with the bus arson.