Escalating Violence Between Rival BNP Factions in Munshiganj
Munshiganj, Nov. 10 – A tragic incident unfolded in Mollakandi union of Munshiganj Sadar upazila early Monday when a man was shot dead and two others were injured during a clash between two rival factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). This incident marks another violent episode in a series of conflicts that have shaken the region.
The fatal shooting occurred just eight days after another BNP activist was killed in a similar clash between the same groups on November 2. The latest victim has been identified as Arif Mir, a 35-year-old resident of Chardumuria village under Mollakandi union and a known BNP activist.
One of the injured individuals, Imran, who is Arif’s paternal cousin, sustained bullet wounds and was transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital after receiving initial treatment at Munshiganj General Hospital. Local sources reported that the other injured person is currently receiving care at the same hospital.
Roots of the Conflict
According to locals, the clash stemmed from an ongoing dispute between Arif, who was associated with former union BNP vice-president Awlad Hossain, and Shah Kamal, a supporter of district BNP convening committee member Atik Mallik and current union BNP president Ohid Mollah. The tensions between these groups have been simmering for some time, but the recent events have escalated into open violence.
On November 2, supporters of the Awlad group allegedly opened fire on members of the Kamal group, resulting in the death of Tuhin, another BNP activist. Following this incident, members of the Kamal group fled the area but attempted to return on Monday morning, which led to the latest confrontation around 6 a.m.
Immediate Aftermath
The gunfire and screams attracted the attention of nearby residents, who rushed to the scene and rescued the injured. They transported the victims to Munshiganj General Hospital, where doctors confirmed Arif’s death upon arrival. Dr. Ruhul Amin, a physician at the hospital’s emergency department, stated that Arif was brought in dead and that one of the injured individuals had been referred to Dhaka for further medical attention.
The other injured individual is still receiving treatment at the hospital. Officer-in-charge (OC) of Sadar Police Station, M Saiful Alam, mentioned that police arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and deployed additional forces to restore order.
Ongoing Tensions
Locals expressed concern over the heightened tension in the area since Tuhin’s killing on November 2. The repeated clashes between the factions have left the community in a state of fear and uncertainty. With each incident, the situation seems to deteriorate further, raising questions about the safety and stability of the region.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen whether the authorities will be able to bring the conflicting groups under control and prevent further bloodshed.