BNP leader killed in factional clash in Rajshahi

A local BNP leader was killed in a clash between two groups of the party in Charghat upazila of Rajshahi on Friday night, February 27.

Dead Md Ershad Ali, 65, was the vice-president of Ward No. 7 under Yusufpur union BNP and a resident of Sipaipara area under the union.

Charghat police station's sub-inspector Sirajul Islam confirmed the matter.

Locals said the supporters of Rajshahi-6 constituency MP and the district BNP convener Abu Sayeed Chand clashed with the followers of Anwar Hossain Ujjal, former convener of the district unit Juba Dal, at a Jalsa (function) in Sipaipara area around 10:00 pm over who would be the programme's chief guest, leaving Chand's supporter Ershad seriously injured. Later, he died on the way to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.

It was learned that an altercation began between the two groups over who would be selected as the chief guest at an Islamic Jalsa arranged after Isha prayers by Sipaipara Jame Masjid, and later, it turned into a violent clash.

Charghat police station's SI Sirajul said a tense situation prevailed since the morning over the selection of the chief guest of the function. When Ershad was returning home after Isha and tarawih prayers, seven to eight individuals beat him up with sticks, resulting in his death, he stated.

Preparation is underway to take legal measures over the incident, the SI added.

Shakhawat Hossain/MSU