One man was killed and at least seven others injured in a clash between two factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia, reportedly over a dispute involving drug trading. Several rounds of gunfire were also reported during the violence.
The incident took place at around 3.30pm on Thursday, 1 October, in Charuikuri, also known as Morar Char, village in Ramkrishnapur Union. The deceased, identified as Tengur, 60, was the son of the late Daiyab Mondal and a resident of the village.
Those injured were identified as Sumon Mia, 50, Hadu Mondal, 70, Rashidul, 35, Fatik, 55, Bajlu, 55, Azad Mondal, 60, and Raju Mondal, 30. They were receiving treatment at different hospitals, according to local sources.
The dispute reportedly involved two groups led by individuals active in local BNP politics. Tengur’s elder brother, Potol, is the general secretary of the Ramkrishnapur Union BNP. The other faction is associated with Azahar Member, an elected member of Ward No 1 of the union parishad, who joined the BNP through the current Member of Parliament, according to local accounts.
Residents said tensions between the two groups had been building for two to three days. The disagreement allegedly began over drugs brought from India, with members of Azahar Member’s group and Potol’s supporters becoming involved in arguments. The dispute reportedly escalated into heightened tension, confrontations and incidents of chasing between the rival groups.
The situation deteriorated on Thursday afternoon when the two sides clashed in the village. During the violence, Tengur, the younger brother of Potol, was struck with a sorki, a traditional spear-like weapon. He suffered a serious abdominal injury, residents said. Local people rescued him and attempted to take him to hospital, but he died on the way.
The reported use of firearms added to the concern surrounding the confrontation. Local residents said several rounds were fired during the clash, although the circumstances and those responsible for the gunfire were not immediately established.
Ramkrishnapur Union Parishad Chairman Siraj Mondal said the two groups had been involved in arguments and tension for the previous two to three days.
“There was a major clash between the groups on Thursday. One person named Tengur was killed and between five and eight others were injured,” he said. He added that the disagreement might have originated over drugs brought from India or patar biri, a type of locally used leaf-rolled cigarette. The precise cause of the dispute had not been independently established.
Daulatpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Khaledur Rahman said police had received information that one person was killed in the clash between the two BNP factions.
“After receiving the information, police went to the scene. The situation is now under control,” he said.
The incident has once again highlighted how disputes involving local political groups can escalate into serious violence, particularly when allegations of criminal activity become entangled with existing rivalries. However, the precise trigger for Thursday’s confrontation remains unclear, and the reported links between the dispute and drug trading have yet to be independently verified.
Police intervention brought the immediate situation under control, while the injured were being treated at different hospitals. No further details about arrests or legal action were available in the information provided.
