BNP factional clash leaves several injured, motorcycles burned in Gazipur

At least eight people were injured, and ten motorcycles were set on fire after a clash broke out between rival BNP factions in the Rakhaliachala area of Gazipur's Kaliakoir upazila this evening.

Police, fire service, and locals said supporters of BNP's nominated candidate for Gazipur-1 constituency, Mujibur Rahman, had gathered for a public meeting when tensions flared with followers of Gazipur district BNP member secretary Chowdhury Ishraq Ahmed Siddique, who was denied nomination.

Witnesses reported that an argument escalated into a clash, during which motorcycles belonging to leaders, activists, and locals were set ablaze. Kaliakoir Fire Service personnel later arrived and extinguished the flames.

Inspector Mohammad Shamim, in-charge of Mouchak police station, confirmed the incident to The Daily Star, saying, "During the clash between two factions of BNP, some motorcycles were set on fire. At least 7-8 were injured and had been sent to hospitals. Legal action is being taken in this regard."

Mujibur alleged that his supporters were attacked while campaigning. "One group attacked my supporters, and some of the motorcycles they used were set on fire," he said.

On the other hand, Ishraq told The Daily Star that anger among local leaders and activists over the nomination led to protests. "The supporters were there just to protest. But the followers of the BNP nominated candidate Mujibur Rahman attacked them," he claimed.