At least 30 people were injured in a violent clash between rival Awami League and BNP factions in Mithamoin upazila of Kishoreganj district on Monday morning.
The hour-long confrontation took place at Lau Kurar Math in Hemantganj area of Keowarjor union, fueled by a longstanding feud between the group of current Union Chairman and Awami League leader Kashem and that of local BNP leader Nazir.
Among the 30 injured, 21 were from the BNP-aligned Nazir group. Two critically injured men, Asad, 35, and Katol Mia, 30, were transferred to Dhaka in serious condition. Five others with severe injuries were admitted to Shaheed Syed Nazrul Islam Medical College Hospital in Kishoreganj, while the remaining injured are receiving treatment at Mithamoin Upazila Health Complex.
Locals alleged that members of Chairman Kashem's group had been stockpiling local weapons before Eid and had planned an attack after Eid prayers.
When that plan was not carried out, threats and intimidation escalated from the previous night, culminating in Monday morning's assault on the Nazir group, which then turned into a full-scale clash.
Residents also claimed that at least three cases have been filed against Chairman Kashem since August 5, and that he periodically stays in Italy, where he reportedly holds citizenship.
Mithamoin Police Station officer-in-charge Liakat Ali said police from Katkhal outpost and the main station rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control.
He said law and order in the area has since been restored.
