A clash broke out between BNP and its volunteer wing over extortion at the Nilachal Transport Depot in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, leaving five people injured. The incident took place on Saturday (March 15) evening at around 7:30 PM in the Mizmiji Madhyapara area.
The clash occurred when a disagreement over extortion led to tensions between both sides. The parties involved, armed with traditional weapons and sticks, gathered at the depot from 9:30 PM to 11:30 PM. Local police intervened and brought the situation under control.
The injured include Siddhirganj Volunteer Party Secretary Redowan Ahmed Pappu, Jubo Dal member Firoz, and depot foreman Hasem Mia, along with Bilal Hossain and Ismail. Among them, Firoz and Hasem Mia suffered serious injuries.
According to sources, the incident stemmed from a previous altercation on Thursday, when a bus at the Nilachal depot accidentally damaged part of the car niche of the Baytul Najat Mosque. Following the damage, a meeting was held with the mosque committee members, where Nilachal authorities agreed to either compensate or repair the damage. However, the mosque committee, led by local Volunteer Party Secretary Mominur Rahman Babu, insisted on relocating the depot. Eventually, the decision was made to move the depot in about two months.
After the meeting, a group of 40-50 men led by Iqbal Hossain, the brother-in-law of the former BNP Secretary of Siddhirganj, allegedly attacked the volunteer leader Babu. The group also physically assaulted foreman Hasem Mia and forced him to sign a blank piece of paper, which triggered the clash.
Iqbal Hossain denied any involvement in the incident, stating that his supporters were not responsible. Nayeem, a BNP leader from the area, also distanced himself, claiming he was at a hospital during the incident.
The Nilachal depot foreman, Hasem Mia, confirmed that they had been facing extortion demands from the Volunteer Party leaders, with claims for money from the depot for some time. The ongoing financial dispute escalated when the Volunteer Party members attempted to increase the extortion amount, eventually leading to the attack.
Liberty News’ local correspondent states that the Siddhirganj police have yet to receive a formal complaint regarding the incident.
LND/BG
