AL factional clash erupts again in Shariatpur's Jazira

A clash erupted between two factions of Awami League yesterday over establishing dominance in Chabbishpara area under Jazira upazila of Shariatpur.

Tension prevailed in the area as members of the two groups staged showdown with local weapons such as machetes, cleavers, and spears, and exploded over 100 crude bombs yesterday afternoon, leaving a teenage boy seriously injured.

Injured Sabbir Khalasi, 19, was rescued and sent to Dhaka for medical treatment.

"A clash broke out between two factions in Joynagar union over establishing dominance and long-standing dispute. They exploded crude bombs and brandished local weapons. The situation is now under control following drives by police and joint forces. No case has been filed yet, but discussions are ongoing with higher authorities on whether police will file one," said Mohammad Dulal Akand, officer-in-charge of Jazira Police Station.

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On information, joint forces including police, Rab and army personnel conducted a prompt operation. Meanwhile, the area has become devoid of men as many went into hiding fearing arrest. Although joint operations are ongoing, no one has been arrested and no weapons have been recovered so far.

According to locals, the two AL factions are led by Mithun Dhali, former general secretary of Tejgaon College unit of Bangladesh Chhatra League, and Halim Talukder, a member of Joynagar Union Parishad. As both of them are now in hiding, their respective followers Jasim Talukder and Noor Alam Sardar are currently leading at the local level.

Jasim's follower Sajal Chokdar was assaulted on Saturday night, triggering the clash yesterday afternoon. At one point, followers of Noor Alam hurled crude bombs at the opposing side, injuring Sabbir Khalasi. This was followed by an hour-long clash, chases and counter-chases, and explosions.

Fatema Begum, aunt of Sabbir, said, "The bomb injured his hand severely. We don't know if his hand can be saved."

On April 5, a similar clash occurred in Bilashpur union of Jazira, where over a hundred crude bombs were exploded, creating a nationwide uproar.

Jasim and Noor Alam could not be reached for their comment as their phones were found switched off.