A violent confrontation between two factions of the voluntary wing of a political organisation in Rupganj upazila of Narayanganj district has left at least 15 people injured following clashes that escalated into gunfire, vandalism, and looting.
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon in the Boruna area under Kayetpara Union. According to eyewitnesses and local sources, the unrest stemmed from a dispute that originated around ten days earlier over a trivial incident involving overtaking between battery-powered auto-rickshaws. The altercation initially took place between Amin Hossain, brother of Rofiqul Islam—convener of the Rupganj upazila unit—and Billal Hossain Khan, information and research affairs secretary of the Narayanganj district unit.
Following that incident, Billal Hossain Khan reportedly lodged a complaint at Rupganj Police Station. In an attempt to resolve the dispute, a local arbitration meeting was arranged in the Boruna area on Monday.
During the arbitration, Amin Hossain was represented by his brother Rofiqul Islam, while Billal Hossain Khan arrived with his associates. However, tensions escalated during discussions, quickly devolving into heated arguments. The situation deteriorated further when members of both groups allegedly armed themselves with sharp weapons and engaged in a violent chase-and-counter-chase across the area.
Witnesses stated that the confrontation intensified into open clashes, during which gunfire was also reported. Both sides were accused of attacking each other’s homes and business establishments, causing damage and engaging in looting activities. The sudden outbreak of violence created panic among local residents.
At least 15 individuals sustained injuries in the clashes and were admitted to various hospitals in Dhaka for treatment. Following the incident, police from Rupganj Police Station intervened and brought the situation under control. Law enforcement officials confirmed that additional police personnel have been deployed to prevent further unrest. The area remains tense but under surveillance.
Summary of the Incident
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Boruna area, Kayetpara Union, Rupganj |
| Time | Monday afternoon, 11 May |
| Trigger | Dispute over auto-rickshaw movement |
| Groups involved | Two factions of voluntary political wing |
| Nature of violence | Clashes, gunfire, vandalism, looting |
| Injured | At least 15 people |
| Medical response | Treatment at hospitals in Dhaka |
| Police action | Situation brought under control; additional forces deployed |
Rofiqul Islam, convener of the Rupganj upazila unit, alleged that Billal Hossain Khan’s group carried out a pre-planned attack involving gunfire against his supporters. In contrast, Billal Hossain Khan rejected the accusation, claiming that Rofiqul Islam’s faction initiated the violence during the arbitration meeting, leading to injuries and destruction.
Mehedi Islam, Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police in Narayanganj, stated that law enforcement responded promptly after receiving information about the clash. He confirmed that the situation is now largely stable and under control, and added that a full investigation is underway and legal action will be taken based on findings.
Authorities continue to monitor the area closely amid concerns of renewed tension between the two groups.