At least ten people were injured in clashes between two factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Baraigram, Natore, on Monday.
Six of the injured sustained bullet wounds.
The violence resulted in the vandalism and looting of nine homes, including the residence of Chandai Union BNP General Secretary Abdul Awal Tipu, and 26 shops in the area.
Eyewitnesses said that the clashes began in the evening and continued until around 9:00 pm at Dasgram Bazar and Rajendrapur Kudur Moor in Chandai Union, Baraigram.
The Upazila BNP has formed a four-member committee to investigate the incidents.
The individuals with bullet injuries include BNP activists Shahidul Islam Malitha, 38, Sagar Ali, 20, Mamun Hossen, 21, Jahid Ali, 18, Moshiur Rahman, 28, all from Rajendrapur village and Rabiul Karim, 39, of Dasgram.
Other injured individuals include Mehedi Hasan, 28, Shah Aziz, 40, Liton, 38, and Awami League activist Shahin Malitha, 60, all from Dasgram.
Shahidul Islam was admitted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, while the others were taken to various facilities, including the Baraigram Upazila Health Complex.
Local sources indicated that the conflict stemmed from a dispute between Chandai Union BNP General Secretary Abdul Awal Tipu and former General Secretary Habibur Rahman over the formation of a new union committee.
After the current committee was established, Habib's supporters staged a human chain demanding its cancellation.
Following the formation of the committee, tensions escalated when Habib's followers reportedly assaulted Chhatra Dal activist Joni on Saturday.
Tipu claimed that over a hundred of Habib's supporters created fear by firing bullets and throwing cocktails in the area on Sunday.
He alleged that after people fled the area, the attackers vandalized and looted 26 shops and several homes, including those of Saidul Islam, Salek Ali, Mridul, Yunus Ali, Anisur Rahman, Abdul Hannan, Nur Nabi, Khairul Islam, and Jahirul Malitha.
Habib denied these allegations, claiming that Tipu and his supporters had vandalized his shop, house, and Juba Dal office without provocation.
He said his supporters went to the scene only after receiving information, but by then the attackers had already fled.
Upazila Health Complex Medical Officer Dr Mizanur Rahman confirmed that some of the injured had bullet wounds, while others sustained pellet injuries.
Baraigram Thana Inspector Shafiul Azam Khan said that police visited the scene but no formal complaints had been filed. "We will take legal action if we receive any complaints," he said.
