Clash between two groups over blanket distribution leaves 15 injured

At least fifteen people were injured in Puthia, Rajshahi, following a violent clash between two factions of the BNP over the distribution of blankets intended for the underprivileged. Five of the injured have been admitted to the local health complex, while the remainder received primary treatment on-site.

The incident occurred on Monday afternoon (29 December) at Dhopapara Market in the Jiupara Union of Puthia Upazila. Police arrived promptly after receiving reports of the altercation and restored order at the scene. As of Tuesday afternoon, no formal complaints had been filed with Puthia Police Station, according to Officer-in-Charge Faridul Islam.

According to the injured, the clash was led by ARJ Ali, the ward BNP president of Jiupara Union, and his supporters, who allegedly attacked rival BNP members. The confrontation reportedly arose over the distribution of 18 blankets allocated by the Upazila Relief Office to assist those affected by winter. The blankets had been handed over to Faruk Naz Begum, headteacher of Dhopapara Government Primary School, who had prepared a list of eligible recipients and asked them to present their national ID cards at the school on Monday afternoon.

However, ARJ Ali and his supporters arrived at the school before the scheduled distribution and reportedly took all the blankets. When another faction, led by BNP member Ansar Ali, attempted to distribute the blankets later in the day, they were allegedly assaulted by ARJ Ali’s group.

Faruk Naz Begum, the headteacher, stated that due to prolonged absence of the Union Council chairman and members, a government officer was temporarily acting as chairman. As a teacher, she was responsible for managing the allocation of blankets for one ward. The 18 blankets were officially intended for distribution to the needy, but ARJ Ali reportedly assumed responsibility for their distribution himself.

ARJ Ali, however, defended his actions, claiming that he distributed two blankets each to the poor families in nine villages under his ward. He stated that the clash occurred only after Ansar Ali’s group protested for not receiving blankets.

No formal complaint has yet been lodged with Puthia Police Station. Officer-in-Charge Faridul Islam confirmed that appropriate legal measures will be taken once any complaint is filed.

Table: Injured Individuals