Factional clash among AL activists leaves 2 shot, 6 injured in Narsingdi

At least eight were injured, including two shot, in a clash between two groups of Awami League (AL) activists in Madhabdi municipality area of Narsingdi last night.

Talking to police, eyewitnesses and local AL leaders, our correspondent reported that an executive committee meeting was being held at Madhabdi's Romoni Community Centre to form a committee of union and ward units to mark the 72nd founding anniversary of Awami League.

Madhabdi Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Syeduzzaman said, the clash transpired when an argument arose as the local municipality mayor was not invited at the meeting.

Two injured who were shot are Md Zakaria (42), former president of Sadar Thana Chhatra League and former commissioner of Madhabdi municipality; and Abul Kalam (38), secretary of Nuralapur union unit of Swechhasebak League. Six other injured are undergoing treatment at local clinics, the OC said.

Nasim Al Islam, doctor on duty at the emergency department of Narsingdi Sadar Hospital said, both Zakaria and Abul got shot in the leg. They were sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital after primary treatment.

Former General Secretary of Madhabdi AL and current municipality mayor Mosharraf Hossain Pradhan Manik went to the meeting to learn the reason behind not inviting him. He got into an argument with the AL leaders present at the meeting and later left the place, Syeduzzaman said.

Meanwhile, Anwar Hossain, the organizing secretary of the district AL and former commissioner of Madhabdi municipality, his brother Md Zakaria, and their supporters marched out, said OC, adding that when the procession reached in front of Radhuni restaurant adjacent to the municipality, the mayor's supporters arrived and the clash started.

Upon receiving the news, police visited the spot and brought the situation under control. The eight injured were sent to Narsingdi Sadar Hospital.

Anwar Hossain said, "Municipality Mayor Mosharraf and his supporters shot my brother with the intent to kill him."

Mosharraf denied the allegations saying, "They came with a procession and later attacked my people."