A clash erupted between BNP and Jamaat activists over a 150 years fair styled Gazi Kalu-Champabati fair in Kushtia’s Kumarkhali upazila on Tuesday evening.
The conflict involved chasing each other, throwing bricks and stones and physical violence, leaving at least 11 people injured of both groups.
Allegations have also surfaced of vandalism and looting of shops during the clash.
According to local sources, the Gazi Kalu-Champabati fair has traditionally been organised by the local community at Hogla Chapaigachhi Bazaar in Kumarkhali. However, this year, local BNP leaders and activists took over the responsibility. Stalls beginning to set up from Tuesday.
However, local Jamaat activists raised objections, accusing the fair of promoting vulgar activities and gambling, and demanded its cancellation. Leaders and activists of the local Ulama Parishad supported the jamaat call.
Tensions between the two groups began escalating on Tuesday afternoon and culminated in a full-scale clash by evening.
Habibur Rahman, General Secretary of the Jagannathpur Union Ulama Parishad, said, obscene activities and gambling are took place at the fair.
“When we inquired about the matter, the BNP cadres attacked us with local weapons, injuring many of our people,” he claimed.
Afzal Hossain, Nayeb-e-Ameer of the Upazila Jamaat, said, Jamaat activists protested as anti-Islamic activities were ongoing at the fair.
Sarafat Sultan, a lecturer at Khoksa Government College also BNP activists as well as one of the organisers of the fair, said, “Using the excuse of so-called anti-Islamic activities, hundreds of Jamaat supporters launched a sudden attack on us. They vandalized and looted shops belonging to ordinary people.”
Upon visiting the scene, numerous vandalized shops could be seen at the fairgrounds.
Alamgir Bhuiyan, a cosmetics vendor from Rajbari, said, “Just before evening, several hundred people armed with machetes, sickles, and sticks attacked the stalls. They looted all my goods and then fled.”
Solaiman Sheikh, Officer-in-Charge of Kumarkhali Police Station, stated that the fair was organised without informing the administration. Those involved in the violence acted on their own.
“The situation is now under control. Legal action will be taken if written complaints are submitted.”
Among the injured, six people have been admitted to Kumarkhali Upazila Health Complex are Habibur Rahman, General Secretary of the Ulama Parishad also Principal of Mahendrapur Alim Madrasa, Jamaat activists Pramanik (70), Tuhin Hossain, Jihad Hossain, Jamaat Ali, and Yunus Ali
On the other hand, five BNP activists were injured are, Sarafat Sultan, Lecturer of Khoksa Government College, school teacher Tipu Sultan, Sukur Sheikh, Sharif and Asakur Rahman. They are currently receiving treatment at Kushtia General Hospital.