At least 40 people were injured in a clash between activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, in Noakhali Sadar upazila on Sunday afternoon.

The incident took place around 5 pm at Kashem Bazar in Noazpur Union, according to police and local sources.

Fazle Rabbi, publicity secretary of the district unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir, alleged that some Jubo Dal leaders attacked a Darsul Quran programme organized by Shibir at Kashem Bazar Jame Mosque on Saturday. In protest, Shibir announced another Quran teaching session at the same mosque after Asr prayers on Sunday.

He claimed that following the announcement, BNP and its associate bodies launched an attack on Shibir activists after Asr prayers, locked the mosque, and trapped them inside. At least 25 Shibir activists were injured by brick-throwing, including Noakhali town Shibir office secretary Tanvir Siam, legal affairs secretary Nayeem Hossain, member Salauddin, and Keramatia Madrasa unit president Arafat Ali, among others.

On the other hand, several BNP leaders alleged that Shibir activists began chanting slogans and conducting political activities inside the mosque after prayers. When BNP activists tried to stop them, Shibir members attacked, injuring at least 15 BNP and affiliate activists. Among the injured are Noazpur Union BNP publicity secretary Md. Akter, office secretary Jahangir, and former Union Chhatra Dal president Ziaur Rahman. Eight of them were admitted to Noakhali General Hospital.

Sudharam Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Kamrul Islam said police rushed to the scene upon receiving information and brought the situation under control.

“Police are deployed at the spot, and the situation is now under control,” the OC added.

MN/