11 hurt in clash over money dispute in Natore

At least 11 individuals were injured in a clash over a dispute relating unpaid dues at Gurudaspur upazila in Natore on Friday.

The clash erupted around 9PM on Friday in Madhyampara area.

According to locals, rice trader Rizvi Ahmed Rakib, along with his associates Shakil Ahmed and Imdad Ali, were allegedly assaulted while attempting to collect debts from Alomgir Hossain on Wednesday.

The dispute also carried political undertones as the two groups are on opposing sides of the political aisle. Alomgir is the nephew of former Madhyampara commissioner and Awami League supporter Mokhles Rahman, and serves as the joint general secretary of Gurudaspur Upazila Jubo League. Meanwhile, Shakil is a leader of the municipal Chhatra Dal, and Rizvi is a BNP activist.

In reprisal for Wednesday's assault, Shakil and Imdad, along with 10 to 15 others armed with sticks, reportedly attacked Alomgir and his associate Jahidul near the Madhyampara Bridge on Friday night. Alomgir and Jahidul managed to escape but later returned with their own men, culminating in a fierce clash between the groups outside Alomgir's residence.

Both sides suffered injuries during the confrontation. Victims included BNP supporters Shakil Ahmed, 22, Milon Pramanik, 40, Sabbir, 19, Jony, 22, Shamim, 38, and Saiful, 42. On the other side, Jahangir, Jahidul, Ami, Mehedi, and three housewives were injured.

Five severely injured people, including Shakil, were admitted to the Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. For more specialised care, Sabbir and Shamim were transferred to Dhaka from Rajshahi.

Following the incident, enraged BNP supporters attempted to attack the homes of Awami League loyalists, but police managed to diffuse the situation.

A police official from the local police station, Golam Sarwar noted that the incident, initially triggered by a financial dispute, had escalated into a political conflict between the Awami League and BNP activists.

He assured that law and order were being maintained, and the injured were receiving medical care in various hospitals.

As of now, no cases have been filed, and no arrests have been made. The police are prepared to take legal action if complaints are filed, he added.