A clash erupted between two factions of the BNP and its affiliated organizations over dominance in Chandpur's Puranbazar area on Friday night, leaving more than 50 people injured.
The conflict, which lasted for several hours, was eventually brought under control by army and police personnel.
According to police and local sources, the clash stemmed from a dispute between the two groups over extortion and territorial dominance.
Although an attempt was made to settle the issue, tensions escalated on Friday evening, resulting in widespread vandalism of shops.
Among the injured, 35 people received treatment at Chandpur's 250-bed Government General Hospital.
Those injured claimed that over 200 people, led by local BNP leaders Rob Mizi, Rana Mizi, and Shafiq Mizi, attacked them with batons and native weapons after they attempted to prevent extortion. Many were severely beaten and sustained serious injuries.
Mohammad Alam Khan, the joint convener of Ward No. 2 Jubo Dal of Chandpur municipality, who was among the injured, said: "Rob Mizi and his son Rana assaulted an innocent person, demanding money. When a local young man tried to intervene, a scuffle ensued. The locals assured us that the matter would be resolved. However, later around 6pm on Friday, Rob Mizi brought in outsiders, armed with weapons, and vandalized shops in our area. When we tried to stop them, they beat and injured about 50 of our men and women."
Chandpur Model police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Alamgir Hossain Roni said: "The clash likely occurred due to a dispute over territorial dominance in Puranbazar. After receiving the news, army and police personnel were deployed, and they brought the situation under control. Legal action will be taken based on the complaints received."
