Clashes between rival political factions in Noakhali leave ten injured and property destroyed

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Violent clashes erupted between local Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) supporters and members of the Awami League in Noakhali Sadar on Saturday, resulting in at least 10 injuries, arson, and widespread vandalism. The unrest, which unfolded in the village of West Shullakia within Kaladara Union, lasted for several hours as political tensions spiraled into a series of retaliatory attacks.

The confrontation follows a period of heightened local friction sparked by a protest march organized by members of the outlawed Chhatra League at Badherhat Bazar on Friday. In response, local units of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami staged their own protest in the same area on Saturday afternoon. According to eyewitnesses, as the BNP-led event concluded, reports emerged that Kaladara Union Parishad Chairman Shahdat Ullah Salim and other Awami League supporters were congregating at a local party office to plan a counter-demonstration.

As BNP and Chhatra Dal activists converged on the site, clashes broke out between the two factions. During the ensuing violence, both the Union Parishad Chairman and Md. Hridoy, organizing secretary of the Noakhali City Sramik Dal, sustained injuries. Hridoy was subsequently admitted to Noakhali General Hospital, while other victims received local medical treatment.

The chaos escalated as rival groups targeted each other’s property. Witnesses reported that Awami League supporters vandalized five motorcycles belonging to Chhatra Dal activists and set one ablaze. In retaliation, BNP and Chhatra Dal supporters set fire to a local Awami League office. By evening, hundreds of additional BNP and Chhatra Dal members arrived at the scene, reportedly launching an attack on Chairman Shahdat Ullah’s residence.

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Representatives for the Chairman alleged that his party office was targeted during a peaceful meeting, claiming that activists attempted to abduct him before the situation escalated into a broader assault on his home. Conversely, District Chhatra Dal Vice President Rashedul Islam Sohag stated that his colleagues were ambushed by the Chairman’s supporters while returning from their own protest march, maintaining that their response was a result of being targeted first.

Law enforcement officials, including members of the Sudharam Police Station and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), were dispatched to the area to restore order. Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Towhidul Islam confirmed that the situation was brought under control by evening. Authorities have launched an investigation into the arson and vandalism and stated that operations are underway to apprehend those responsible for the violence.