In Sunamganj’s Bishwambharpur upazila, a violent clash erupted on Tuesday evening over intra-party dominance, leaving at least fifteen people injured. The confrontation occurred at Katakhali Bazaar at approximately 8:30 pm on 11 January, drawing significant local attention.
According to local sources, the clash involved supporters of BNP leaders Ramiz Uddin Master and Pavel Ahmed, stemming from a long-standing rivalry over control and influence within the party. During the incident, several individuals from both factions sustained injuries, and parts of a BNP local office were reportedly vandalised. Both sides have accused each other of instigating the violence.
Ramiz Uddin Master alleged that “agents of the Awami League” infiltrated the BNP ranks and initiated the attack. He claimed to have been injured in the clash himself. Conversely, Pavel Ahmed maintained that their meeting at the Katakhali Bazaar BNP office had official police approval, and that it was Ramiz Uddin Master’s faction that launched the assault.
Bishwambharpur police station’s Officer-in-Charge, Mohammad Zahidul Islam, clarified that the incident was not politically motivated but rather a result of internal factional tensions. “The clash arose from disputes related to local market matters,” he stated. He added that around seven to eight people were injured in total. Authorities have since restored order, and the area is now under police supervision, with calm prevailing.
The following table summarises key information regarding the incident:
| Aspect | Details | Impact / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Location & Time | Katakhali Bazaar, Bishwambharpur, 11 January, 8:30 pm | Heightened tension in local political environment |
| Main Parties | Supporters of Ramiz Uddin Master vs Pavel Ahmed | Long-standing intra-party power struggle |
| Injuries | At least 15 people | Prompt medical attention and heightened security response |
| Accusations & Reactions | Both factions blame each other | Public confusion and dispute over responsibility |
| Police Statement | Factional conflict, not political | Situation controlled; peace restored |
In summary, the Sunamganj clash underscores how internal power disputes within local political parties can directly impact community safety and stability. Police and local authorities are maintaining vigilance to prevent further incidents, while injured individuals are receiving medical treatment.