10 injured in AL-BNP clash over brick kiln control

The clash broke out around noon in Akbarnagar village under Baktabali Union. Police said the situation came under control after 6:00 PM.

According to locals, the dispute involved Samed Ali, an Awami League activist, and followers of Halim Azad, organising secretary of the union BNP. Tensions had been running high over the supply of workers and soil to brick kilns along the Dhaleshwari River.

The clash reportedly involved gunfire and attacks with 'tetas', a traditional spear-like weapon. Samed Ali's son, Md Hridoy, 26, suffered gunshot wounds, while Raju Sheikh, 30, sustained two 'teta' injuries to his leg. Both were advised to seek advanced treatment in Dhaka.

Both sides accused each other of launching the attack. Samed Ali's family also alleged that BNP activists vandalised their house after the clash.

Additional Superintendent of Police Tarek Al Mehedi said additional police and Special Response Battalion members were deployed to maintain order.

Additional Superintendent of Police Shamim Hossain said two people had been arrested and several 'tetas' seized. Police operations are continuing.

-AJM