What Led to the Violent Clash Between BNP and NCP Supporters in Bangladesh?

Dhaka, July 31 (NationPress) At least 35 individuals, including five journalists, sustained injuries during a violent confrontation involving members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the National Citizens Party (NCP) amid a protest rally in Cumilla, according to local media sources.

The clash erupted on Wednesday evening when NCP supporters organized a rally titled 'People from all walks of life of Muradnagar Upazila' to voice their discontent against what they deemed malicious propaganda and conspiracies targeting the local government advisor of the interim administration, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain.

As tensions escalated, activists from both the NCP and BNP began pursuing one another while hurling bricks and stones, leading to widespread panic in the vicinity.

Leading Bangladeshi newspaper, Prothom Alo, reported that during the protest rally, Asif's supporters shouted slogans such as 'Direct action against extortionists' and 'Catch extortionists, throw them in jail.' Suddenly, objects were thrown at them from the opposing faction.

Following this, both groups engaged in a flurry of brick-throwing, resulting in injuries to five journalists who were covering the event.

As the situation deteriorated, fear enveloped the area, prompting local business owners to close their shops and flee in various directions.

Supporters of Asif Mahmud alleged that the violence was a calculated attack by the followers of former MP and BNP Vice Chairman Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad.

"BNP members deliberately assaulted us. As soon as we initiated our procession, they began launching brickbats and pursued us. Approximately 50 of our supporters were injured during this encounter," stated Minazul Haque, convenor of Nagorik Samaj, who was present at the rally.

Another participant, Shekhar, a member of Muradnagar Sadar union parishad, recounted, "We were attacked by BNP members with bricks as soon as our rally commenced. I sustained a head injury in the fray."

Conversely, Mahiuddin Anjan, convener of BNP's Muradnagar unit, refuted the claims, asserting, "Our demonstration was against fabricated cases filed by Asif Mahmud. His supporters instigated the violence under police protection."

Prior to this incident, on Tuesday afternoon, BNP leader Kayokobad's supporters reportedly conducted a protest rally in Muradnagar, demanding the resignation of Advisor Asif.

The factions that once allied with student leaders and Yunus to overthrow the democratically elected Awami League government under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are now embroiled in violent confrontations, signaling a gradual dissolution of the unity that was previously so prominently displayed during Hasina's ousting.