AL and BNP supporters clash in Faridpur, leaving 30 houses vandalized

AL-BNP Supporters Clash in Faridpur, 30 Houses Vandalized

At least 30 houses were vandalized during clashes between supporters of the Awami League (AL) and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Kanaipur union of Faridpur Sadar upazila over local dominance.

The hour-long clash in Fushra village left at least eight people injured, with three admitted to Faridpur Medical College Hospital. The confrontation involved AL ward no. 9 president Akkas Matubbar leading one group, while BNP ward no. 9 president Hashem Khan led the opposing side.

Locals reported that the dispute began on Sunday afternoon over fishing rights in a local pond. As tensions rose, Inspector (Investigation) Jafar Iqbal from Faridpur Kotwali police station intervened and mediated an agreement between the two groups to avoid further conflict.

Despite the agreement, tensions persisted overnight. Allegedly, Hashem Khan’s supporters launched an attack on the houses of Akkas Matubbar’s followers. In retaliation, Matubbar’s group counterattacked, resulting in widespread vandalism of at least 30 houses.

Law enforcement, including the police, army, and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), later arrived at the scene and restored order.

Former Kanaipur Union Parishad chairman Belayet Hossain stated that Akkas Matubbar and Hashem Khan have a long-standing rivalry, which fueled the clash. Akkas Matubbar claimed he had honored the agreement, but Hashem Khan’s group attacked first, looting homes and stealing livestock. Hashem Khan, however, denied the allegations, blaming Matubbar’s supporters for initiating the violence.

Faridpur Kotwali police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Asaduzzaman confirmed that additional police forces had been deployed to maintain peace. No official complaint has been filed yet.