12 injured as BNP, Jamaat clash over Facebook post in Shariatpur

At least 12 people were injured in a clash between supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Naria upazila of Shariatpur on Tuesday, reportedly triggered by a dispute over a Facebook post.

The incident took place around noon at the Pilot Mor area of Bhojeshwar Bazar in the upazila.

Officials said tensions arose after a Jamaat supporter posted a Facebook status alleging that a local female union parishad member and BNP leader was campaigning in favor of a “No” vote. BNP leaders and activists reacted angrily, calling the allegation false.

The situation escalated when BNP supporters were campaigning in the area and an argument broke out between Bhojeshwar union Jamaat amir Kahed Nazrul Islam and Jubo Dal leader Sabuj Madbar over the Facebook post. The supporters of the two groups swooped on each other as word of the dispute spread, leaving 12 people of the both groups injured.

Locals rescued the injured and took them to different hospitals including Shariatpur General Hospital.

A team of police rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the clash and brought the situation under control, said Naria Police Station in-charge (investigation) Sukanta Dutta.

No written complaints have been filed so far in this connection, the police offical said, adding that necessary legal action will be taken upon receiving complaints.

Mizan Sikder, president of Bhojeshwar union Jubo Dal, alleged that Jamaat and Islami Chhatra Shibir activists arrived on 20 to 30 motorcycles and carried out a sudden attack. He demanded legal action against those involved.

Jamaat activist Mizanur Rahman claimed that BNP supporters threatened them at the shop of a Jamaat leader and attacked after he attempted to record the incident on video. 

He accused BNP activists of using force and called for exemplary punishment.

Naria Upazila Assistant Commissioner (land) Lucky Das, who visited the area, said that the situation was later normalised with the assistance of police and army personnel. 

Preliminary findings indicated the clash stemmed from the controversial Facebook post, which BNP activists viewed as misleading, she added.

Bidhan Majumder Oni/MHK