Police arrested five people after a late-night clash between supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami left at least 10 injured in Lalmonirhat's Patgram upazila Sunday.
The violence erupted around 10:00 PM in the Kalirhat area and reportedly stemmed from tensions triggered by a controversial Facebook post. The injured individuals were taken to Patgram Upazila Health Complex, while two in critical condition were referred to Rangpur Medical College Hospital.
According to locals, the situation escalated after a Jamaat activist, identified as Rakib, allegedly made derogatory remarks about the prime minister on social media. The post led to a heated exchange between him and Belal Hossain, publicity secretary of the local Jubo Dal, at Kalirhat market. The altercation soon turned into a clash involving supporters of both groups.
BNP leader Oliur Rahman Sohel accused Jamaat and Islami Chhatra Shibir activists of repeatedly posting provocative content targeting BNP, both before and after the election, which he claimed contributed to the unrest.
On the other hand, former district Jamaat Ameer Ataur Rahman alleged that the incident began when a BNP activist assaulted a Chhatra Shibir member and later attacked his father, triggering retaliation. He further claimed that some Shibir activists were detained while seeking medical treatment.
Patgram Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Nazmul Haque said law enforcement responded promptly to bring the situation under control.
“Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident and the situation is now stable,” he said, adding that further legal action is underway.
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