8 injured in BNP clash over tender in Rajshahi, motorcycle set on fire

At least eight people were injured in a clash between BNP and Rajshahi over a tender for a pond lease in Puthia. The BNP office and three motorcycles were set on fire during the incident. The incident took place in the Puthia Upazila premises from noon to night on Wednesday (May 14).

Local sources and police said that the two sides, led by BNP leader and former mayor of Puthia Upazila Al Mamun Khan and BNP leader Faruk Raihan, have been in a dispute for a long time over dominance.

Tensions arose between the people of the two sides over the tender since the afternoon on Wednesday. The two sides began practicing with their domestic weapons at night. They clashed at midnight. The chase, counter-chase and clash continued for about several hours. At least eight people were injured in this. The injured are undergoing treatment at the Puthia Upazila Health Complex.

Meanwhile, a group set fire to the local BNP office, which was reduced to ashes. Three motorcycles were also burnt in the fire. The police, fire service and army brought the situation under control at midnight. The situation in the area is tense after the clash.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Puthia Police Station Kabir Hossain said, “Additional police have been deployed to prevent any further clashes. So far, no one has filed a written complaint. Further legal action will be taken if a complaint is received.”